Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made the case Sunday that U.S. aid for Israel and Ukraine needs to be lumped into one package, despite grumbles from within the Republican Party.
The Kentucky Republican said that while he disagrees with President Biden on his domestic policies, this foreign policy area is one that they’re “generally in the same place.”
“It’s all connected. The Chinese and the Russians said they’re now friends forever,” Mr. McConnell said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “Iranian drones are being used in Ukraine and against the Israelis.”
Mr. Biden has requested a $100 billion military aid package for Israel and Ukraine that includes humanitarian assistance.
Mr. McConnell said it’s a “mistake” for fellow Republicans to view Israel’s situation as different from that of Ukraine as hardliners, particularly in the House, say they will not vote for more Ukraine funding. He argued that a portion of any aid money also benefits the domestic economy.
“I view it as all interconnected,” Mr. McConnell said. “No Americans are getting killed in Ukraine. We’re rebuilding our industrial base. The Ukrainians are destroying the army of one of our biggest rivals. I have a hard time finding anything wrong with that.”
Mr. Biden has requested a $100 billion military aid package for Israel and Ukraine that includes humanitarian assistance. It also includes funding for the U.S. southern border with Mexico to combat illegal immigration and Taiwan to combat China’s aggression.
• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.