South Dakota’s Republican US Senators say any supplement defense funding bill should provide support for three United States allies abroad and the southern border.
That’s despite House Republicans passing a bill last week that only spells out funding assistance for Israel.
Sen. John Thune is among Senate Republican leadership who say any supplemental bill should provide support for allies in Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
“We should be supporting Ukraine," Thune said. "Not just because peoples fighting for freedom against tyranny are worthy of support, but because support in Ukraine—like supporting Taiwan and Israel and other free countries—is in our national interest.”
The number two Senate Republican said Congress should back Ukraine with an end goal in mind. He says he’s hopeful the arrival of M1 Abrams tanks, longer reaching ATACMS missiles and F-16 fighter planes will enable Ukraine to make new battlefield gains.
Thune said any supplemental funding package should also focus on tightening security the southern border.
White House has asked Congress for Congress for $106 billion, which includes funding for Ukraine, the southern border and Indo-pacific region. It’s also asking for over $14 billion for Israel.
House Republicans are at odds with the Senate and While House, which responded by passing standalone funding for Israel, but tying the funding to IRS cuts.
Dusty Johnson, the state’s lone House representative, voted in favor of a House Republican plan to send an aid package to only Israel. Johnson calls the bill a “conversation starter.”
Republican US Sen. Mike Rounds said the Senate supplemental package would be larger than what the House offered.
He said funding for Israel and Ukraine must be tied to policy changes at the southern border.
“If we can get that agreed to, I think pretty much everything falls into place," Rounds said.
As for growing calls to pull funding from Ukraine, Rounds, a Republican who sits on the Senate Armed services and intelligence committees, says backing allies who’re fighting aggressor states minimizes costs and keeps the US military at home.
“For me, let’s nip this stuff in the bud," Rounds added. "Let’s fight this stuff overseas where our men and women aren’t in harm’s way.”
In addition to debating a supplemental package, Congress is also facing a looming government shutdown.
