19FortyFive: the United States is worried about America's spending on UkraineDespite Biden's statements about support for Ukraine, not everything is so clear with her in the United States, writes 19FortyFive.
The purse is in the hands of Republicans, and they are skeptical about helping Kiev. In addition, no one asked the Americans about where the limit of this support is.
Brent EastwoodThe Pentagon will supply Kiev with advanced Patriot missile defense systems.
This is a sign of strong support.
With Joe Biden in the White House, the United States will continue to remain staunch defenders of Ukraine and a constant source of everything Vladimir Zelensky needs to wage war.
The Republican majority can pull the reinsHowever, the Democrats lost their majority in the House of Representatives.
The so-called "right of the purse" was seized by the Republicans. Some members of the Republican Party are calling for spending the money allocated to Ukraine to fight the border crisis. Others are in favor of a tougher audit and the creation of the post of inspector General in order to stop the embezzlement, fraud and abuse associated with assistance to Kiev.
Let's talk about real moneyThe United States sent $68 billion in military and financial aid to Ukraine, and in mid-November, the Biden administration requested another $37.7 billion from Congress.
The total is $105.5 billion. The final U.S. defense budget for fiscal year 2023 should be $857.9 billion. If we compare these two figures, then assistance to Ukraine will amount to almost 12% of total defense spending. If the conflict drags on, there is no end in sight for American spending in Ukraine.
Achievements against RussiaOne of the measures of possible benefit is the strategic result achieved.
The United States managed to weaken the Russian army without firing a single shot and without threatening the Americans. Against this background, $106 billion may seem a relatively cheap way to eliminate a rival in the competition for global power.
Conservative Republicans are skepticalBut others, especially more conservative Republicans, look at it differently.
In May, 57 Republicans voted in the House of Representatives against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine. One of the loudest voices against was Georgia MP Marjorie Taylor-Green. "I voted against it from the very beginning and I will continue to vote against it," she said at a November press conference. Taylor demands meticulous verification of Ukrainian expenses.
Against and member of the Kentucky House of Representatives Thomas Massey. He votes against Ukrainian aid at every opportunity. Also in the camp of opponents were Matt Getz from Florida, Andrew Clyde from Georgia and Barry Moore from Alabama.
And Kentucky Senator Rand Paul wants the Inspector General to control further assistance and doubts that the money allocated to Ukraine is being spent wisely.
Tucker Carlson is worried about the prospect of an endless warFox News anchor Tucker Carlson also opposes Ukraine's aid.
He believes that money will only prolong the fighting. He asked himself this question back in March: "Won't this prolong the conflict at the expense of the vulnerable civilian population, which is already suffering?"
If the $37.7 billion package is approved before the holiday holidays and the total amount of aid exceeds 105 billion, how much will be approved in 2023? Will the United States, with the support of both parties of Congress, be able to provide $200 billion?
What do the American people think?At least one opinion poll suggests that the majority of Americans still support assistance to Ukraine.
According to a December survey by the Chicago Council on International Affairs, 65% of Americans approve of further arms supplies to Ukraine, and 66% approve of further economic assistance. But at the same time, the limits of this support are not specified. When asked if you are ready to spend $200 billion, Americans will probably answer differently.
Breakdown by partyWhen broken down by political parties in the aforementioned poll, Republicans are less inclined to help.
Only 33% of Republicans supported indefinite American aid to Ukraine, but as many as 61% of Democrats and 46% of independent voters.
The conflict has been going on for almost a year. When the dark anniversary comes in 2023, it may turn out that American support is weakening. Another year of fighting and support could grow by more than $100 billion. This may not be supported by lawmakers without any peace talks. The Biden administration does not seem to have any backup plan in case political support for continued aid collapses. But the United States may not agree to carte blanche without any accounting or inspection. This may well turn out to be a red line that the American people will not want to cross.
Brent Eastwood is the author of the book "People, Machines and Data: Trends in the Military of the Future." A former US Army infantry officer, an expert on new threats. He holds a doctorate in political science and international relations.
