- The Washington Times - Thursday, February 8, 2024

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk lashed out at congressional Republicans on Thursday for refusing to green-light billions more in U.S. funding for Ukraine.

Mr. Tusk, writing on X, evoked many conservatives’ favorite American president after many GOP lawmakers balked at a security package that included $60 billion for Ukraine alongside funding for Israel and border operations.

“Dear Republican Senators of America. Ronald Reagan, who helped millions of us to win back our freedom and independence, must be turning in his grave today. Shame on you,” Mr. Tusk wrote, referring to the 40th president’s efforts to defeat communism in Eastern Europe.

President Biden tied Ukraine funding to security funding for the border and other priorities, hoping it would bring Republicans to the table.

However, a negotiated bill was declared dead on arrival by House Republicans who said it wouldn’t fix the migrant influx at the southern border. Many Senate Republicans also decided to reject the bill.

The Senate is teeing up a second vote to aid Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan without the border provisions.

Some GOP lawmakers remain wary of providing more funding for Ukraine without a clear path to victory against Russian invaders.

American taxpayers have already given $75 billion to Kyiv. Most Republicans say that’s enough and that Congress should focus on initiatives at home.

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.

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