(CNN) – US President Joe Biden on Thursday asked Congress for more than $24 billion for Ukraine and other international needs. He is working to maintain support for the war in Ukraine amid signs of waning support among Americans.
The request, which includes more than $13 billion in military aid and $7.3 billion in economic and humanitarian aid, sets up a potential battle with Republicans in Congress, some of whom are skeptical of giving Ukraine more money.
As the counteroffensive continues and the prospect of war recedes, the funding will be evidence that US support for Ukraine can continue.
The new funding request, to be released later in the day, will be combined with a request for $12 billion in new disaster relief funding and will help boost the aid package for Republicans who are skeptical of approving Ukraine aid.
The request includes $3.3 billion earmarked to fund infrastructure in countries affected by Russian aggression, $4 billion to fund border security in an effort to prevent China from controlling those countries through loans.
In total, the additional order amount is nearly $40 billion.
“Given the consequences of Russian war around the world, the United States remains committed to maintaining strong global opposition to illegal Russian war,” White House Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young wrote in a letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
A pressing question is how long the US can support Ukraine for the global coalition rallying behind Kiev after a Russian invasion in 2022.
Biden has vowed that support will continue “as long as it takes,” but the GOP has questioned America’s commitment to the fight.
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