The U.S. stopgap bill temporarily halted the alarming government shutdown. However, it comes at a price since the legislation excludes military aid for Ukraine.
Although this is the case, many congressional supporters of Ukraine claim they will not give up on the military assistance needed by the European country.
But, can U.S. President Joe Biden change this worsening situation? Here are the major details.
US Stopgap Bill Excludes Ukraine Aid
The feared federal government shutdown was halted after U.S. President Joe Biden signed the temporary funding bill on Saturday, Sept. 30.
Thanks to this, federal agencies can still continue their operation, allowing governmental employees to receive salaries without any issue.
But, the new stopgap bill excluded the needed financial assistance for Ukraine, as reported by Time Magazine. Analysts said that this shows that winning approval for Ukraine financial aid in Congress is becoming more difficult.
Experts also noticed that the Republican resistance to the Ukrainian aid has been gaining momentum in the Congress halls. Recently, almost half of House Republicans voted to remove the $300 million from defense legislation.
This proposed budget was supposed to help train Ukrainian soldiers and allow the Ukrainian military to have an additional budget so they could purchase needed warfare weapons.
Although this aid request was later approved in a separate bill, many Republicans celebrated since more and more are now opposing Ukraine's support.
On Saturday, Sept. 30, additional Ukraine aid was omitted by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from the latest stopgap bill, which enables the federal government to keep running until Nov. 17.
This decision prevented the Senate Package, which was supposed to funnel $6 billion to Ukraine.
Joe Biden Urges for Ukraine Aid Approval
This grab taken from AFP video footage shows a member of Ukraine's military looking away as a BM-21'Grad' MLRS 122mm rocket launcher fires on the outskirts of Soledar on January 11, 2023. - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said fighting is still raging in a key eastern frontline city.
The Guardian reported that Joe Biden is now calling out Republicans to approve Ukraine military aid. On Sunday, Oct. 1, he said that the financial aid of the U.S. government for Ukraine should not be interrupted.
"We cannot under any circumstances allow America's support for Ukraine to be interrupted," said the American leader.
He expects McCarthy to secure the passage and support needed to assist the European country in its fight against the ongoing Russian invasion.
After it was confirmed that the Ukraine military aid is no longer included in the stopgap bill, many Ukranian residents shared their concerns.
One of these is Tetiana Ostapchuck, a logistician. She said that they needed the support from other countries. The resident added that they can't "do it alone."
Related Article: Biden Signs Bill To Avert Government Shutdown, Blames House GOP for 'Manufactured Crisis'
