Schumer in Ukraine Declares US Backing During House Aid Standoff

Paresh Jadhav

9 months ago

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is visiting Ukraine to reassure President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Congress’ support. This trip comes amid House indecision over providing $60 billion in economic and military aid to Kyiv.

Schumer and fellow Ukraine hawks have urged Speaker Mike Johnson to allow a vote, yet Johnson faces strong resistance from Republican members who oppose any aid package vote.

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President Zelensky Reiterates US Support

Rebecca Shabadis of NBC reports on Senate Democrats visiting Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and increase pressure on House Republicans to pass a foreign aid bill that provides more aid for Kyiv.

Zelenskyy warned lawmakers that without additional assistance, the country will soon run out of air defense and lose its edge against Russia. His meeting with lawmakers was described as being “frank and constructive dialogue”, with hopes that Senate negotiators can come to an agreement this week before leaving for their holiday recess.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer joined members of his chamber, such as Michael Bennet, Richard Blumenthal, Jack Reed and Maggie Hassan – including Michael Bennet, Richard Blumenthal Jack Reed and Maggie Hassan – in Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy and send out an important message: We stand with you. Unfortunately this message has been obscured by Republican demands for border policy changes as part of any package deal; these demands have delayed negotiations significantly and left many senators disenchanted over lack of progress on measures being proposed so far.

Schumer Meeting with Zelensky

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) arrived in Ukraine Friday morning to reassure President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Congress’ continued assistance as attempts at passing additional aid remain dormant in the House. Accompanying Schumer were Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire and Jack Reed from Rhode Island.

Zelenskyy warns that any delays in aid from the US and other Western countries could provide Russia an opening to make further advances on the battlefield as Ukrainian forces run low on ammunition and weapons. Although Congress passed a foreign aid package last week, its impact remains uncertain due to Speaker Mike Johnson’s opposition to linking assistance to immigration policy changes.

Congress leaders have attempted to pressure Johnson into scheduling the bill for vote before legislators depart for holiday vacations. Unfortunately, this may not happen before Johnson leaves office on December 17th.

Meeting with Military Leaders

Senator Chuck Schumer is in Ukraine marking two years since Russia invaded, to increase pressure on House Republicans back home to pass a national security bill with additional aid for Kyiv. Leading a delegation of fellow Democratic Senators like Jack Reed from Rhode Island, Michael Bennet from Colorado, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire; these representatives will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Defense Minister Rustem Umierov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi among others.

Schumer’s visit comes at a delicate time for Ukraine, as its frontline army struggles to maintain strength after losing key cities in battles raging across its territories. Schumer and other lawmakers have pledged to use “all available legislative tools” in an attempt to force House lawmakers to vote on the Senate-passed aid package and vote yes for it.

Under pressure from his party’s far right to oppose additional funding for Ukraine, Speaker Mike Johnson shows no indication of bringing it up for discussion or vote.

Meeting with House Members

As Ukraine’s military faces shortages and Russia gains ground on battlefield, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer traveled to Lviv, western Ukraine, with four other Democratic senators to press his Republican opponents for aid from Congress. On Friday afternoon he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and conveyed America’s pledge of support in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.

Schumer has pushed House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring up Senate National Security Supplement Spending Package which contains $60 billion in military and economic assistance to Kyiv. But Johnson has declined, insisting that Congress must first pass tough border policy changes before giving Ukraine more funds.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed from Rhode Island led a delegation to Ukraine along with Michael Bennet from Colorado; Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut; and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire. Schumer made this trip at the culmination of an eventful week that also saw her visit India and Israel.