WASHINGTON (BP) – President Biden is asking Congress for an aid package to send more than $100 billion to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan as they battle aggressors and to help strengthen security at U.S. borders. Biden addressed the nation in a primetime speech from the Oval Office on Thursday night and released details of his request on Friday.
Referring to the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Hamas terrorist group, Biden said, “You know, history has taught us that when terrorists don’t pay a price for their terror, when dictators don’t pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos and death and more destruction. They keep going, and the cost and the threats to America and to the world keep rising.”
As of early September, nearly 30,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed by Russian invaders since the war began in Sept. 2022, according to the U.N.
The U.N. says that more than 4,200 Israelis and Palestinians have been killed since the Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, with more than one million people displaced.
“This was a forceful speech by the president. Right now, millions of civilians are being terrorized by extremists and autocrats across the globe,” Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Brent Leatherwood told Baptist Press in written comments.
“America should be unequivocal in taking a stand against evil actors who have no concern for innocent life – no matter where they exist,” he said.
In a Friday morning call, Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shalanda Young provided details on the president’s plan to secure the borders.
“Specifically, it includes funding for an additional 1,300 Border Patrol agents, 375 immigration judge teams, and 1,600 asylum officers; over 100 cutting-edge detection machines to help detect fentanyl at our southwest border ports of entry; and an additional 1,000 law enforcement personnel, as well as investigative capabilities, to prevent cartels from moving fentanyl into the country,” Young said.
A resolution passed by messengers to the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting encouraged “elected officials to prioritize measures that secure our borders and to provide adequate resources to border patrol and those working in our immigration system.”
“The president’s address illustrated the reality that we are at an inflection point both home and abroad. While horrific wars are already underway in Ukraine and Israel and other conflicts with authoritarian regimes are brewing in Iran and Taiwan,” said Hannah Daniel, ERLC policy manager.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan gave further details concerning Biden’s appeal, saying, “We are requesting an increase in security assistance for Israel to help it protect its people as well as the many Americans who live in Israel and travel to Israel.
“At the same time, we are also requesting support to provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance for civilians impacted by the war in Gaza who have nothing to do with Hamas and are suffering greatly as well,” said Sullivan.
He said that from a historical perspective, “if we walk away and let someone like Vladimir Putin erase Ukraine’s independence, he will not stop there and would be aggressors around the world would be emboldened.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) responded to Biden’s request on Friday.
“This moment demands American leadership, which will require the Senate’s decisive action. In the coming days, after reviewing the President’s request, we must produce our own supplemental legislation that meets the demonstrated needs of our national security,” McConnell said.
“The Senate will work its will to invest in America’s own defense, help Israel defend itself against Iran-backed terrorism, equip Ukraine for victory over Russia, shore up Taiwan on the leading edge of our crucial competition with communist China, and restore sanity to southern border enforcement,” said McConnell.
Meanwhile, on Friday in the House of Representatives, the Republican conference withdrew their support to nominate Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to serve as speaker of the house after he failed to secure enough votes three times for the post this week.
Representatives removed Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from the lead role on Oct. 3.
“In this vital moment, the United States cannot retreat into isolationism but must stand firm in support of those fighting for democracy. As the world watches, our elected leaders must find a way to come together to support our allies and protect our nation,” Daniel said in written comments.
