The White House details its $105 billion funding request for Israel, Ukraine, the border and more
The Hindu
White House proposes $105B to bolster allies, manage border influx. Biden seeks urgent action from Congress to support Ukraine, Israel, and manage U.S.-Mexico border. Sullivan: Russia, Hamas' attack a "global inflection point." House in chaos, Biden faces resistance to plans. Young: "We will not be lectured by those who refuse to act." $14B for border agents, inspection machines, asylum processing.
The White House on Friday released a sweeping set of proposals to bolster Israel and Ukraine in the midst of two wars as well as invest more in domestic defence manufacturing, humanitarian assistance and managing the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The total cost of the supplemental funding request was pegged at just over $105 billion. U.S. President Joe Biden hopes Congress will move urgently on the legislation, and he made the case for deepening U.S. support for its allies during a rare Oval Office address on Thursday night.
The Democratic President's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters on Friday that Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Hamas' attack on Israel represent a “global inflection point."
“This budget request is critical to advancing America’s national security and ensuring the safety of the American people,” Mr. Sullivan said.
However, next steps are in doubt while the House of Representatives remains in chaos with the Republican majority unable to choose a new Speaker. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, is still pushing to run the chamber, an effort that has led to frayed nerves and bruised relationships on Capitol Hill.
Even if Republicans are able to sort out their leadership drama, Mr. Biden will swiftly face resistance to his plans. He's hopeful that combining several different issues, from border security to countering China's influence, will foster a political coalition that can move the legislation forward.
But there’s equal potential for the entire package to get bogged down in various policy debates, especially when it comes to immigration, a historically contentious topic.
With a new government in place in Delhi, Singapore hopes to schedule the Ministerial Roundtable with India shortly, says Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. In an exclusive interview, he speaks about the impact of the elections on ties, the “missed opportunity” of RCEP and the new buzz around Andhra Pradesh’s capital Amaravati.