- Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, made an implicit rebuke towards progressive lawmakers.
- Pelosi confirmed US support for Ukraine, after 30 lawmakers demanded that the US hold direct talks.
- The speaker claimed that US support would not end until victory is achieved.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker, stated on Tuesday that US support for Ukraine would continue ‘until Victory is Won’. This implied rebuke to progressive lawmakers who only a day prior pushed the White House into talking with Russia.
“Under President Biden, our support for Ukraine – and our determination to defend democracy – is here to stay until victory is won. Slava Ukraini!” Pelosi made the statement in a statement which also praised Volodymyr Zilenskyy’s “courageous, patriotic leadership.”
The pledge of the speaker came amid conflicting messages from congressional leadership over how long and how solid US support will remain as Ukraine resists Russia’s invasion. Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Leader, suggested that Republicans could reduce US support for Ukraine if Republicans win the majority in the upcoming midterms.
The letter was written and signed by 30 House progressive legislatorsFuture aid was not threatened by President Joe Biden, however. Many were surprised by the demand of lawmakers for a “proactive diplomatic push,” in order to have talks with Russia.
Their messageThis contrasted with the long-held belief of the administration that Ukraine should be included in any negotiations. “Nothing about Ukraine, without Ukraine,” Antony Blinken, Secretary-of-State, stated.
Rep. Pramila Jaipal, a Washington state Democrat, was the leader of the letter addressed to Biden. She stated that such a push for diplomatic diplomacy should be paired up with the US military support since the outbreak of war. The US has provided more than $60 billion of military, humanitarian, economic, and other assistance.
Jaypal issued a second statement within hours of the publication of her letter, as criticisms began to mount in her party. This statement clearly shows that progressive lawmakers weren’t trying to undermine the administration.
“Diplomacy is an important tool that can save lives — but it is just one tool,” Jayapal, who leads the House Progressive Caucus, said in a statement that was described as “clarifying” the initial letter. “We support President Biden’s and his administrations commitment to no matter what happens to Ukraine, as we made clear in our letter. We will continue to do so.”
McCarthy, who would be in line to become Speaker of the House if Republicans take control of the chamber, started his own intra-party feud last Wednesday. He suggested that a Republican House would not issue “blank checks” for Ukraine’s aid, particularly if there is a collapse in the US economy. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell He then issued his own statementMaking it clear that Ukraine’s aid would continue.
It is interesting to note that US officials have spoken with Russians ever since the start of the war. These interactions are rare, however. Lloyd Austin, Defense Secretary, called his Kremlin counterpart Sunday.
