The White House on Wednesday formally asked Congress to authorize $10 billion in additional humanitarian, economic and security assistance for Ukraine and allies in central Europe to respond to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The White House stressed that the request is meant to address the immediate, short-term needs related to the crisis in Europe caused by Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began last week.
“Given the rapidly evolving situation in Ukraine, I anticipate that additional needs may arise over time,” White House Office of Management and Budget acting director Shalanda Young
Shalanda YoungBiden, Harris emphasize equity at Black History Month celebration Oversight Republicans demand documents on Afghanistan withdrawal Negotiators reach ‘breakthrough’ in government funding talks MORE wrote in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiOvernight Defense & National Security — US tries to turn down the dial on Russia House passes resolution backing Ukraine; Three Republicans vote ‘no’ Pelosi says deal on Ukraine aid is imminent MORE (D-Calif.) dated March 2 outlining the request.
“This funding request is based on the Administration’s best information on resource requirements at this time, and we will remain in touch with the Congress in the coming weeks and months as we assess resource requirements beyond these immediate needs,” she wrote.
Young asked that the funding be authorized as part of an appropriations bill that Congress is expected to approve before a March 11 deadline to fund the government.
The letter breaks down the funding request. It asks for $4.8 billion for the Pentagon to support U.S. troop deployments to NATO countries and to provide additional military equipment to Ukraine.
The Biden administration is asking for $5 billion for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for security, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and allies on NATO’s eastern flank. Of that funding, $2.75 billion would go towards humanitarian assistance to provide food and support for Ukrainians displaced by the conflict.
The U.N. refugee agency said late Wednesday that 1 million refugees have fled from Ukraine since Russia launched a broad invasion of Ukraine one week ago.
The White House supplemental funding request also includes an additional $22.5 billion to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Updated at 9:06 a.m.
