House Speaker Denies Ukrainian President’s Request to Address Congress
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) announced on Thursday that he rejected a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address Congress. This decision comes as some members of McCarthy’s caucus express concerns about continuing to send billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine while it remains at war with Russia.
Zelenskyy, who recently spoke at the United Nations, is currently in Washington to meet with President Joe Biden and lawmakers. McCarthy explained that Zelenskyy had already given a joint session address during his previous visit to the United States in December.
McCarthy assured reporters that Zelenskyy would still have the opportunity to meet with a bipartisan group of members, similar to how other world leaders have been received. However, the denial of a joint session was due to the House’s focus on resolving the impasse over funding the federal government before the Sept. 30 deadline.
Reports indicate that Zelenskyy has already met with top congressional leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Some GOP members have expressed opposition to further military aid for Ukraine, demanding more transparency in how the funds are distributed.
Prior to their meeting, McCarthy questioned Zelenskyy about his strategy to win the war with Russia and ensure accountability in the use of resources. McCarthy emphasized the American public’s desire for answers.
Going a step further, McCarthy told ABC News, “I don’t think I have to commit anything and I think I have questions for him,” adding, “Where’s the accountability on the money we’ve already spent? What is the plan for victory? I think that’s what the American public wants to know.”
During the meeting with lawmakers, Zelenskyy acknowledged the challenges of overcoming entrenched defenses and expressed confidence in making slow but steady progress. The Ukrainian president will also visit the Pentagon and meet with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C) attends the 78th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City on Sept. 19, 2023. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images)
Representative Mike Turner (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Select Intelligence Committee, praised Zelenskyy’s positive outlook and long-term goals in the offensive against Russia. The White House has requested an additional $24 billion in aid for Ukraine, which has received support from congressional Democrats and McConnell.
Aid for Ukraine
During his previous visit to Washington, Zelenskyy secured $50 billion in aid and appealed to Congress for more assistance. The latest request from the White House seeks $24 billion in security, economic, and humanitarian aid. Zelenskyy expressed confidence in receiving the requested aid, emphasizing the importance of not engaging in a war of attrition with Russia.
President Biden, in his speech at the United Nations, called on world leaders to support Ukraine’s military efforts against Russia and defend its sovereignty. The meeting between Biden and Zelenskyy at the White House is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
What concerns do some members of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s caucus have about continuing to send aid to Ukraine while it remains at war with Russia?
House Speaker Denies Ukrainian President’s Request to Address Congress
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has announced that he has rejected a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address Congress. This decision comes as some members of McCarthy’s caucus express concerns about continuing to send billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine while it remains at war with Russia.
Zelenskyy, who recently spoke at the United Nations, is currently in Washington to meet with President Joe Biden and lawmakers. McCarthy explained that Zelenskyy had already given a joint session address during his previous visit to the United States in December.
McCarthy assured reporters that Zelenskyy would still have the opportunity to meet with a bipartisan group of members, similar to how other world leaders have been received. However, the denial of a joint session was due to the House’s focus on resolving the impasse over funding the federal government before the Sept. 30 deadline.
Reports indicate that Zelenskyy has already met with top congressional leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Some GOP members have expressed opposition to further military aid for Ukraine, demanding more transparency in how the funds are distributed.
Prior to their meeting, McCarthy questioned Zelenskyy about his strategy to win the war with Russia and ensure accountability in the use of resources. McCarthy emphasized the American public’s desire for answers.
It is clear that there are differing opinions within the Republican Party regarding the continued aid to Ukraine. While some members believe that it is necessary to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, others are concerned about the effectiveness and transparency of the aid.
The denial of Zelenskyy’s request to address Congress reflects these divisions within the party. McCarthy and other members are focused on addressing domestic issues, such as funding the federal government, and believe that Zelenskyy’s address would divert attention from these pressing matters.
Overall, the decision by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to deny Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s request to address Congress highlights the ongoing debate within the Republican Party regarding aid to Ukraine. As Ukraine continues to face conflict with Russia, it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved and what impact it will have on the relationship between the United States and Ukraine.
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