This article was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is reprinted with permission.
U.S. President Joe Biden is requesting $11.7 billion in emergency funds from Congress for Ukraine as the country battles against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
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The request is part of a larger $47.1 billion emergency spending package sought as the United States continues to cope with the COVID-19 and monkeypox crises and recent natural disasters affecting some states in the South.
Current financing for federal agencies will run out at the end of the 2022 fiscal year on September 30 unless extended by Congress. Lawmakers have not yet passed a 2023 funding bill, meaning they would likely need to pass a stopgap funding measure, allowing them more time to negotiate.
The new funds for Ukraine would be in addition to the $40 billion that was approved earlier this year.
The White House said that about 75 percent of that military and related support has been delivered or already been committed.
The new money would include funds for equipment, intelligence support, and direct budgetary backing for Ukraine.
The emergency funding request also includes $2 billion to address the impact of Russia’s war on U.S. energy supplies.
