Congressional Leaders to Discuss Ukraine and Government Funding with Biden
President Joe Biden is set to meet with the top four congressional leaders at the White House on Tuesday to discuss passing an emergency aid package for Ukraine and Israel, as well as avoiding a potential government shutdown next month, as per a White House official.
The four leaders include House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.; and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
The meeting will focus on the urgent need to pass the bipartisan aid package and legislation to keep the federal government running until the end of September, the official said on condition of anonymity.
The House, led by Republicans, is facing pressure to approve the $95 billion national security package that includes support for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific. While the Senate passed the legislation with a 70-29 vote, Johnson has been hesitant to bring it to a vote in the House.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of providing aid to Ukraine and urged Speaker Johnson to take action on the bill.
Additionally, there is a deadline approaching this week for the first portion of government funding to expire, with the remaining federal agencies facing a deadline of March 8.
Senate Majority Leader Schumer expressed concern about the lack of agreement to avoid a shutdown and called on House Republicans to prioritize funding to keep the government operational.
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