Biden Urges Congress for $100 Billion to Counter Parallel Threats to Democracy
- Posted on October 20, 2023
- International Conflict and Politics
- By Arijit Dutta
- 288 Views
In a significant Oval Office address, President Joe Biden called on the American people to support a $100 billion funding request for Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and border security, emphasizing the shared threat posed by Russia and Hamas to American democracy. Biden argued that supporting these nations in their respective struggles against Russia and militant groups is crucial for national security.
In a significant Oval Office address, President Joe Biden
called on the American people to support a $100 billion funding request for
Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and border security, emphasizing the shared threat
posed by Russia and Hamas to American democracy. Biden argued that supporting
these nations in their respective struggles against Russia and militant groups
is crucial for national security.
Biden acknowledged the perception that these conflicts
might seem distant but stressed that both Hamas and Putin share the common goal
of undermining neighbouring democracies. He highlighted the lessons of history,
warning that when terrorists and dictators go unpunished, they cause chaos and
destruction.
The President announced an urgent budget request to fund
national security, including over $60 billion for Ukraine and more than $10
billion to enhance Israeli defences. Additional funding was allocated for
humanitarian aid, addressing the situation in Gaza and bolstering U.S. border
security measures. The package also includes support for the Indo-Pacific
region, strengthening alliances like Taiwan.
However, passing these funding requests in Congress poses
challenges. Last month, a $24 billion Ukraine aid package failed to gain
approval due to opposition from ultraconservative Republicans. While there is
bipartisan support for financing Israel's needs, public opinion on supporting
Ukraine has fluctuated since the conflict began.
Complicating matters, the House has been without a
Speaker, unable to act on legislation, as Republicans struggle to agree on a
replacement. Biden appealed for unity, urging the nation not to let partisan
politics obstruct their responsibilities.
Biden also emphasized the importance of American
involvement in global affairs, countering the isolationist policies of his
predecessor. He portrayed additional funding as a wise investment in American
security.
The President's address followed his visit to Israel, during which he promised "an unprecedented support package for Israel's defence." He pledged to supply the Iron Dome air defence system with necessary ammunition and dispatched warships to the eastern Mediterranean to deter potential actors like Hezbollah.
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Returning from Israel, Biden secured an agreement on
humanitarian aid, potentially appeasing critics of Israel's government. He
cautioned Israel against acting out of rage, drawing parallels to past U.S.
mistakes after the 9/11 attacks.
Furthermore, Biden addressed concerns about rising hate
crimes, particularly against Jewish and Muslim Americans. He denounced
antisemitism and homophobia unequivocally, emphasizing the need for unity
against such bigotry.