AURN News with Ebony McMorris

Ukraine Aid Standoff: Biden’s Urgent Warning to Congress

Ebony McMorris
January 18, 2024

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., walks out of the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, following a meeting with President Joe Biden. Biden convened a meeting with members of Congress to underscore Ukraine's security needs at a pivotal time as senators narrow on a landmark immigration deal that could unlock $110 billion in stalled aid to Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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As President Joe Biden meets with Republicans, he is warning them of the risk to global security amid stalled U.S. military aid for Ukraine. During a White House meeting with congressional leaders, Biden emphasized the danger to the NATO alliance and the free world if support for Ukraine falters.

The deadlock centers around Biden’s request for $60 billion in aid for Kyiv, which Republicans have tied to demands for stricter border control measures. This impasse comes against the backdrop of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, adding to the political tension.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., second from right, flanked by, from left, Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas., speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, following their meeting with President Joe Biden. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Biden’s call for urgent action on both aid to Ukraine and border issues was met with mixed responses. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the productive nature of the talks but stressed the priority of border security.

Meanwhile, Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted a bipartisan need for a solution. Amid these challenges, Congress is also racing to avoid a government shutdown by Friday.

Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris is a native Washingtonian and University of South Carolina alumna. Her passion is mentoring young adults by teaching community empowerment and media education. She is an NAB member and board member of the Thurgood Marshall Center and was presented the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for contributing more than 4,000 hours of community service under the Obama Administration.