US on verge of exhausting Ukrainian arms aid funds, calls intensify for Congress action
Kirby was referencing a letter to Congress penned by James McCord, the financial auditor for the Pentagon. In his letter, McCord outlined a plan to leverage the last billion dollars accessible to restock arms related to aid for Ukraine. McCord accentuated that, without further funding from Congress, only one more package can be financed due to the necessity for maintaining the US military readiness.
7:21 AM EST, December 19, 2023
US nearing exhaustion of funds for Ukrainian arms
The NSC spokesperson confirmed this information during a press conference. He also mentioned that an announcement regarding a new arms package would occur before the year comes to a close:
"We possess adequate funding for one solid aid package. However, I cannot reveal at this juncture its specific contents or total value. But from our understanding, we only have one remaining," stated Kirby.
Kirby, the NSC spokesperson, encouraged Congress to take action and expressed a willingness to compromise on immigration reforms, which is a precondition stipulated by the Republicans for agreeing to additional funds.
Stalemate continues over additional US funds for Ukraine
The US Senate is in ongoing negotiations to overcome the deadlock concerning the bill on additional funds for Ukraine. The White House has requested 61 billion dollars, anticipated to last the full fiscal year, until the end of September. Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Senate Democrats, declared that the voting on the package is projected to happen later this week.
Yet, despite some progress, negotiators from both sides signaled over the weekend that the matter is so complex it will potentially be unresolved before the Christmas and New Year holidays. The House of Representatives, required to vote on the project, commenced a Christmas break scheduled to last until January 9, although it may be cut short.
As per Pentagon data, the administration retains the authority to supply Ukraine with over 4 billion dollars of weapons. However, they will no longer be able to replenish their arsenal. Several Republican Senators argue that aid can persist for some time, but the administration seems to dismiss any further assistance to Ukraine without the chance to replace given arms.
An official from the National Security Council informed PAP on Monday: "If there's no agreement in Congress, we cannot provide further assistance without risking the military readiness of the US".
