Congress has until Nov. 17 to pass a federal spending package and avoid a government shutdown, but Republicans are not enthusiastic about President Joe Biden’s proposals.
Biden’s budget package includes billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine and Israel, as well as monies to protect the United States’ southern border. Although Democrats are optimistic, not all Republicans are on board.
“I have not voted for anything for Ukraine. I can’t buy into that nor will I, and I would just say it’s a very bad omen, to start off on the wrong foot by having those two joined,” Arizona Republican Congressman Paul Gosar said.
Biden will have the final say on approving or vetoing appropriations bills from Congress, but because Republicans hold a House majority, a bipartisan compromise is necessary.
The Associated Press reported that new Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said Congress is “not going to abandon” Ukraine but that Republicans would first bring forward a separate bill to send aid to Israel. Republicans in the House have introduced a proposal that would provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel while cutting IRS funding included in the Inflation Reduction Act by the same amount — a non-starter for Biden and Democrats.
Arizona Democratic Congressman Raúl Grijalva said he is confident Congress will approve Biden’s spending package despite Republican opposition to aid for Ukraine.
“I think this could get done. I really do,” Grijalva said. “It passed the House twice overwhelmingly with over 300 votes, so if a standalone bill comes up, it’ll pass.”
