The White House is asking for almost $106 billion for Israel, Ukraine and the border
NPR Online NewsOct 14, 2023
US Sen. J.D. Vance Joins Calls for Ukraine, Israel Aid to Be Split
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The Facts
US Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) began sharing a memo titled "Differentiating Ukraine and Israel" with other senators on Monday, becoming the latest Republican to suggest amending the Biden administration's $105B foreign aid package request.
According to Fox News, the memo stated that to attach aid to both Ukraine and Israel together would be a "grave error," with both situations being "distinct" as well as "represent[ing] a different claim on US interests."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Current opposition by a minority of isolationist Republicans to a funding bill that includes both Ukraine and Israel lacks awareness of the nuances of the conflicts. Those Republican outliers are also counting on the failure of the party to unite and elect a House speaker to defund Ukraine. Criticism of the Biden administration's approach is foolish and naïve.
Establishment-critical narrative
Many in Washington are pushing the narrative that current events in Ukraine and Israel are so intertwined that the continued spending of billions of dollars from the American taxpayer shouldn't be questioned in any manner. The truth remains that only Israel holds the title of being one of the US' closest allies and unreserved financial backing for Ukraine isn't sustainable.