White House budget director Shalanda Young sent a letter to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and other congressional leaders on Monday, sharing this message: the United States is running low on time and money to assist Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
In the letter, released by the White House, Young explained that if Congress doesn't act soon, the U.S. won't have enough resources by the end of the year to buy more weapons and equipment for Ukraine or provide equipment from U.S. military stocks.
"There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money — and nearly out of time, " she added.
The US has given more to Ukraine than any other country. On October 20, President Joe Biden requested $61.4 billion to help Ukraine in its war against Russia. This includes:
- $30 billion for the Defense Department for equipment for Ukraine and the replenishment of US stocks. So far, the US has provided Ukraine with air defence systems, munitions, small arms and ground maneuver units, among other weapons and equipment.
- $14.4 billion for continued military, intelligence and other defence support. This includes investments in the defence industrial base, transportation costs of US personnel and equipment, and continuing an enhanced US troop presence in Europe, among other activities.
- $16.3 billion for economic, security and operational assistance. It includes direct budget support to Ukraine to help it provide critical services to its people and sustain its economy, as well as investments in infrastructure, civilian law enforcement and getting rid of mines.
- $481 million to support Ukrainians arriving in the US through the Uniting for Ukraine program.
- $149 million for the National Nuclear Security Administration for nuclear/radiological incident response and capacity building in case of emergencies as part of general contingency planning.
