Republicans are sounding the alarm after the Pentagon announced that, even in the face of a potential U.S. government shutdown, it would continue its operations supporting Ukraine’s military efforts.
As American lawmakers scramble to reach a budget agreement before the September 30 deadline, many conservatives argue that the Biden administration is setting a troubling precedent by prioritizing foreign interests over domestic needs.
Chris Sherwood, a Department of Defense (DOD) spokesperson, justified the decision by stating, “Operation Atlantic Resolve is an excepted activity under a government lapse in appropriations,” while providing a link to the DOD’s contingency plan guidance in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Republican leaders quickly took to social media to express their concerns. “The Biden administration thinks funding the protection of Ukraine’s border is more ‘essential’ than our own,” wrote Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wisc., on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
“I don’t know who the Biden regime is working for, but it’s quite obviously not for the American people,” pointed out Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas.
This sentiment echoes what many conservatives feel, raising questions about whether the Biden administration is losing sight of its responsibilities to Americans while it pours financial resources into Ukraine.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., didn’t mince words when she told Fox News Digital, “Seems like Biden fell asleep on the train and got off at Ukraine instead of America. I don’t even know if he recognizes which country he’s leading, he’s so hellbent on sending every possible dollar to a country that we have no stake in while our own implodes.”
As Sherwood explained to Politico, the Pentagon’s decision to prioritize funding for Ukraine was made recently, and according to him, the law allows for such exceptions. However, conservatives question the wisdom of this decision, particularly when it involves sidelining Americans’ needs.
“Cut off services for Americans but keep sending their money to Ukraine,” said Abigail Jackson, the communications director for Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. “How incredibly offensive.”
“How is this even legally possible?” questioned former Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Texas, echoing the incredulity shared by many conservatives.
Indeed, there’s growing resentment among Republicans who advocate for fiscal responsibility. Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake wrote, “But the only thing the @JoeBiden administration cares about is funding their proxy war in Ukraine. They treat hard-working Americans as bargaining chips. Our families never asked to be part of their game.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent meeting with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other Pentagon leaders has further intensified the debate.
The Biden administration not only pledged $325 million in security assistance for Ukraine but also confirmed that over $100 billion has already been spent on the war in Ukraine, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
As for the U.S. budget, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is reportedly considering removing the $300 million designated for Ukrainian military training from the Pentagon’s spending bill, opting for a separate vote on the issue.
“We’re committed to help Ukraine build a force capable of ensuring Ukraine’s long-term security, capable of deterring future threats against sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom, which are underway now,” President Biden said. “Because that’s what this is all about — the future, the future of freedom. America can never, will never walk away from that.”
While supporting allies is a commendable endeavor, many conservatives argue that it shouldn’t come at the expense of American citizens.
With the Biden administration requesting an additional $24 billion for Ukraine—$13 billion for defense and $11 billion for economic and humanitarian aid—the question remains: At what cost are we bolstering foreign interests while overlooking pressing domestic concerns?
