Kevin McCarthy reiterates support for Ukraine but 'not a blank check'

© Provided by Washington Examiner House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, D-Calif., speaks to the media at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 2, 2019.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), the presumptive speaker, reiterated his support for Ukraine, but not a “blank check,” as other parts of the party continue to call for less or no aid.

His latest comments on aid to Ukraine come close to Tuesday’s midterm elections that will determine which party controls Congress for the second half of the Biden administration.

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“I’m very supportive of Ukraine,” McCarthy told CNN on Sunday. “I think there has to be accountability going forward. … You always need, not a blank check, but make sure the resources are going to where it is needed. And make sure Congress, and the Senate, have the ability to debate it openly.”

McCarthy said last month that Ukraine should not receive a “blank check” of U.S. support, which received media attention at the time, though he maintained then and in the CNN interview that he does support giving aid to Ukraine as it continues to fend off Russian aggression.

The comments sparked questions about whether the administration would be able to continue to provide aid to Ukraine or if a Republican-led Congress would become a barrier.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine last February, most Republicans have joined their Democratic colleagues in backing several aid packages, including a $40 billion measure passed in May and a $12 billion provision passed in September. Fifty-seven House GOP members voted against the first measure.

Simultaneously, the DOD has provided Ukraine with roughly $18 billion of military aid since the war began. The department announced its latest package last Friday, worth roughly $400 million, that included 45 Czech T-72B tanks to be refurbished that will ultimately be delivered to the Ukrainians. The donation is being matched by the Netherlands.

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Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine’s defense minister, said on Monday that Ukraine received the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and Aspide air defense systems. The weapons will “significantly strengthen” Ukrainian forces, he said, adding it “will make our skies safer.”

Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH), who sits on the House Intelligence and Armed Services committees, said last month, "No one in Republican leadership has called for an end to aid for Ukraine," adding, "People on the Republican side are saying, ‘Why do we have to pass a $40 billion package to send $8 billion to Ukraine?’"

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Tags: War in Ukraine, News, Defense, National Security, Kevin McCarthy

Original Author: Mike Brest

Original Location: Kevin McCarthy reiterates support for Ukraine but 'not a blank check'