Biden seeks $40B for Ukraine, border, and disaster aid.

President ‌Biden Calls on ‌Congress⁤ for Additional Assistance

President Joe Biden is urging Congress to approve approximately $40 billion in additional assistance for various crucial areas. This includes support for Ukraine, enforcement of border policies, and ongoing disaster recovery efforts.

Senior administration officials provided details of Biden’s supplemental request during a briefing on Thursday. The timing of this request is significant, as it precedes‌ an ‍anticipated budget showdown on Capitol Hill.

Addressing Urgent Needs

The supplemental​ request, aimed at fulfilling⁢ “emergency ‍funding needs” for the first quarter of 2024, allocates $24 billion for Ukraine, $4 billion for​ southern border and ⁣immigration operations, $12 billion to replenish the Department of Homeland Security’s disaster relief fund, and $60 million to‌ enhance wildland firefighter pay.

Contrary to previous reports, the request ⁢does not include additional ​aid for Taiwan. However, senior administration officials assure that the president’s‌ previous budget requests for the Pentagon allow‍ for emergency response to Taiwan if necessary.

Collaboration ⁣and Negotiation

Biden’s request follows negotiations ⁤between him and House ⁣Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) ⁣regarding spending caps and a debt limit increase.

When asked‌ if the White House had discussed the additional​ funding request with​ McCarthy, administration officials declined to comment.

Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility

As the September government spending deadline approaches, congressional Republicans have been considering ⁢budget cuts. The administration emphasizes that this request is not an attempt to ⁤bypass the​ negotiated domestic spending levels outlined in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

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