President Joe Biden’s proposed budget released Thursday requests nearly $7 billion in new funding for Ukraine and other European allies.
Biden’s budget proposes the additional funding for Ukraine and others as part of the White House’s efforts to “confront global challenges” posed by adversaries like Russia and China. In all, the defense budget is increased by more than three percent to $886 billion.
BREAKING: Biden’s FY24 budget is out! Here’s what we know on defense:
—$886B for overall national defense, up from $858B (up 3.3%)
—$842B for DoD, up from $816B
—$9.1B for Pacific Deterrence Initiative
—$6B to support Ukraine/Europe
—$37.7B for DoD nukes
—5.2% troop pay raise— Connor O’Brien (@connorobrienNH) March 9, 2023
More than $6 billion would be provided by the budget to “support Ukraine, the United States’ strong alliance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and other European partner states,” the budget proposal says. Funding would be prioritized to enhance the capabilities of U.S. and allied forces against Russian aggression.
The budget separately notes that $753 million is requested to “counter Russian malign influence” and meet other emerging needs in Ukraine, which is more than the $400 million requested for the “countering PRC influence fund” aimed at combatting China.
Thus far, the United States has committed more than $200 billion in aid, both humanitarian and military, to Ukraine in the year-plus since Russia invaded the country. (RELATED: US Weapons Aid For Ukraine Could Extend Years Beyond The War, Top Pentagon Official Says)
Many of the presidents proposed budget priorities typically are not included in what ultimately becomes the federal budget, and Republicans have been divided over how much to continue supporting Ukraine in the new Congress.