White House Asks Congress For $10B In Ukraine Aid, $22.5 Billion In COVID Funds
The White House on Wednesday formally asked Congress to vote on $10 billion in humanitarian, economic and security aid for Ukraine and Central European allies in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to The Hill.
"Given the rapidly evolving situation in Ukraine, I anticipate that additional needs may arise over time," wrote Office of Management and Budget acting director Shalinda Young in a Thursday letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, adding that she also anticipates "additional funding will be needed to support the covid-19 response" as well.
"This funding request is based on the Administration’s best information on resource requirements at this time, and we will remain in touch with the Congress in the coming weeks and months as we assess resource requirements beyond these immediate needs."
The funding request includes assistance to bolster Ukraine's defenses, as well as protect its electrical grid from disruption.
Originally, the Biden administration asked for $6.4 billion for Ukraine in order to boost programs at the State Department and Pentagon in response to the crisis. The figure quickly ballooned to $10 billion (or roughly one border wall) so the US can help train Ukraine's military, provide food and humanitarian aid, and boost cybersecurity defenses, among other things.
The funding would also help enforce Biden's recent actions against Russia - including $659 million for a task force to enforce sanctions on Russian oligarchs who have evaded them. $91 million would go to the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which can chase offshore companies and trusts.
