Joe Biden attempted to rally Americans to support the wars in Israel and Ukraine during a speech on Thursday as he prepares to request a further $100 billion in aid for the beleaguered nations.
During his speech, Biden claimed the two foreign wars threatened to undermine democracy and put US national security at risk.
Biden also brought Russian President Vladimir Putin into the fray, comparing him to the terrorist organization Hamas.
The president claimed both Hamas and Putin want to “completely annihilate a neighboring democracy.”
“History has taught us when terrorists don’t pay a price for their terror, when dictators don’t pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos and death and more destruction,” Mr. Biden said.
“They keep going and the cost and threats the American people keep rising.”
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The Washington Times reported: The effort to combine the aid for the two conflicts into a single package faces an uncertain reception on Capitol Hill. Support for the continuing costs of the Ukraine war effort was softening before the Hamas attacks.
The White House is teeing up a supplemental funding request, the details of which are still being sketched out, although it will reportedly also include funds for Taiwan and to bolster security along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Congress has been paralyzed for more than two weeks without an elected House speaker. Republicans have been unable to elect a new speaker since Kevin McCarthy, California Democrat, was ousted this month. Without a speaker, the House cannot consider aid to Israel or any other legislation.
Congress has already provided billions of dollars in financial assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion.
Recent polling has shown American voters are becoming increasingly skeptical of the funds being sent to Ukraine.
Ahead of his speech, Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A White House readout of the call said the president underscored America’s “continued commitment to Ukraine.”
Biden’s remarks also followed his whirlwind trip to Israel, where he pledged to send $100 million in humanitarian assistance for Hamas-controlled Gaza and Palestinians in the West Bank.
The aid will come from existing funding already approved by Congress, the White House said.
In a post on X, Biden claimed there will be “mechanisms in place” so the $100 Million in aid for Gaza reaches those in need — not Hamas or terrorist groups.”
However, many Republicans are accusing Biden of funding Hamas terrorists with aid to Gaza.
Aid to the Gaza Strip is what Biden is prioritizing today. This aid will, of course, be commandeered by Hamas. No taxpayer dollars should be sent to Gaza. Stop funding jihad!” tweeted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Aid to the Gaza Strip is what Biden is prioritizing today? This aid will of course be commandeered by Hamas.
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) October 18, 2023
No taxpayer dollars should be sent to Gaza. Stop funding jihad! https://t.co/mRwyRSehMV
GOP Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas also posted in X:
“Under present circumstances, ‘humanitarian assistance’ = resupply for Hamas terrorists. President Biden continues to embolden Iran and its terror proxies.”
Senator Rick Scott (R-Fl.) tweeted:
“Not a single dollar of US aid should go to Hamas-controlled Gaza until all hostages, including AMERICANS, are safely released.”
Not a single dollar of U.S. aid should go to Hamas-controlled Gaza until all hostages, including AMERICANS, are safely released. I'll be on the Senate floor later to pass my Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act to guarantee that.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 18, 2023
Surely no Democrat could disagree with this… https://t.co/5dlzFBSXrd
Meanwhile, Democrats supported Biden’s aid for Gaza.
Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois wrote:
“I applaud and support President Biden’s decision to provide significant humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank.”
“Any legitimate response to the Hamas violence must strive to avoid civilian harm and civilian targets.”
Biden announced $100 million in humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) October 18, 2023
He might as well have announced $100 million in aid to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
