In a tense game of chicken, remarkable for its mix of petulance and audacity, congressional Republicans are threatening to halt U.S. aid to Ukraine—guaranteeing a Russian breakthrough and possible victory in that war—unless Democrats help pass a bill that all but locks down America’s Southern border.
If the impasse isn’t resolved by the end of next week, when Congress goes on recess until the new year, the Ukrainian army could run out of ammunition. President Joe Biden could resupply the arsenal from U.S. stockpiles without legislative approval, but the move would be temporary, and the signal sent—that Ukraine, and by implication other allies, can no longer count on U.S. support in a pinch—could be a holiday cork-popper for Russian President Vladimir Putin and all of our other adversaries.
Clearly it wasn’t the way because they’re not on board
Republicans aren’t on board because they want more. Every Republican in the House voted for the bill that sent funds to Israel and cut funding to the IRS, most Democrats voted against it. So Republicans want to fund Israel, Democrats want to fund Ukraine, compromise would be to fund both, right? But Republicans then demanded Conservative Southern border policy changes too, and that is why talks fell apart. That is where we stand now.
The lesson: Never trust Republicans
Are you assuming that Republicans are negotiating in good faith? That would be a mistake on your part.