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© Thomson Reuters 2023.U.S. Congress debates Ukraine aid as Pentagon warns money running low
By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON©2023 GPlusMedia Inc.
73 Comments
Yrral
It not the Pentagon right to determine domestic policy
2020hindsights
Well the Democrats can stop the removal as speaker for McCarthy, but those votes aren't free. Let's get this Ukraine funding bill up for a vote first. Looks like McCarthy will be moving from being Trump RINO's bch to being the Dems' bch.
2020hindsights
Yrral
Exactly, they should focus on foreign policy...
Thuban
Every dollar given to Zelensky and his cronies is a dollar taken away from a starving American child, of whom there are millions.
Stop funding the Military Industrial Complex and start feeding kids.
2020hindsights
Thuban
"Today, DoD has exhausted nearly all available security assistance funding for Ukraine,"
Really? Because the GOP have the majority in the house and during the debate for the CR, they were wanting to cut funding to social security programs.
In fact, Republicans declare banning universal free school meals a 2024 priority:
https://newrepublic.com/post/173668/republicans-declare-banning-universal-free-school-meals-2024-priority
That's who you need to reach to feed the kids.
Thuban
Of course now we have to tighten belts because countless billions have been wasted on Zelensky.
The US taxpayer keeps getting squeezed and there's almost no more juice left.
Zelensky needs to make due with the $300 billion or so that he's already been given.
Children in America are going hungry.
RichardPearce
The Pentagon probably understands that the only thing worse than funding and arming extremists to overthrow their government is to stop funding and arming them when they can't crush opposition to them.
Unfortunately American politicians refuse to learn that lesson.
Whether it goes the way backing the 'Free Syrian Army' did, backing Saddam Hussein did, or backing OBM's Mujahideen did, or something different, backing the guys who overthrew the last democratically elected government of a united peaceful Ukraine is going to be a disaster for the American taxpayers.
Cards fan
No. In so far as we need to "tighten our belts," it's a function of Republicans repeatedly cutting taxes for the richest Americans.
Yes, because of the rightwing republicans you support. They could cut funding to Ukraine to 0 tomorrow, and they still wouldn't feed hungry kids.
Sven
The newly elected PM of Slovakia said it best:
Freedom has always come from the east. War has always come from the west.
Cards fan
LoL come on now, not even you believe this nonsense. Let's not be silly now.
Superlib
I support America destroying the Russian military with zero casualties.
stormcrow
Pay now or pay a lot more later.
If Ukraine loses this war, the momentum for getting away with aggression will swing to Russia and China.
Sven
I wouldn't expect you to believe. But the head of the newly elected government of Slovakia does. Do you know better about the history of Slovakia than him?
lincolnman
The far-right Kook Caucus and their MAGA-brethren continue to shill for Russia and Putin rather than their own country...not surprising since their Ultra MAGA King is infatuated with his fellow petty dictator...
They ought to cut the crap and just tell the truth - they hate democracy and want some form of a white nationalist autocracy....just like in Russia. Why else would Trump call Putin a "genius"?
For a fraction of our annual defense budget, our support for Ukraine, both monetary and with equipment, has reduced Russia's conventional military capability by 50% - and shown the "Russian bear" is a toothless mouse...
Putin's war is a debacle that even the Russian people understand....his Black Sea fleet is either underwater or laid up in dock with huge holes in their sides, his turretless tanks litter the Ukrainian countryside, and his incompetent commanders shell their own troops...
Keep the aid flowing to ensure a Russian defeat...
2020hindsights
RichardPearce
Ukraine aren't extremists and they aren't looking to overthrow a government. They are defending themselves from imperialist Russia's invasion.
There was no overthrow of the democratically elected government in 2014, it was a peaceful transfer of power after the previous president fled to Russia. The last democratically elected government of a united peaceful Ukraine was in 2019.
Cards fan
He's not the head of the Slovakian government.
History? It's nonsense. Utter nonsense from a pro-Russian authoritarian. Of course the pro-invasion crowd propagate his message, but that doesn't make it any truer.
Sven
True enough. He hasn't been sworn in yet.
So you do know about the history of Slovakia than him. Thanks for the clarification. I think that's enough from me. Enjoy the discussion.
Cards fan
No. He doesn't have the votes to make him PM. He still needs a coalition.
2020hindsights
Sven
And yet the Russian imperialists invaded Ukraine from the East.
So it's not true.
Thuban
Ukrainians would dispute that "zero casualties" part.
But I guess for supporters of the US Neocon war mongers, Ukrainians don't count.
Eastman
well while 10.000+of illegals are coming to UAS everyday and UA "business" not going well for USA as planned its about time to stop funding corrupted Kiev junta,push them for peace negotiations and move your tropps from abroad to protect your own borders and security at home dear ameraicans.
abt Fico and his sentence everyone who knows history of that country understands that his expression is right.
2020hindsights
Eastman
The two aren't related. The US doesn't have troops abroad, and they wouldn't help on the border. Also, Putin doesn't want a peace deal.
So how do you explain Putin's imperialist invasion from the East. Obviously the expression is wrong.
JJE
Elon Musk hit the nail on the head yet again on this subject of "aid": he posted a meme mocking Zelensky.
On X (former known as Twitter) he said "When it’s been 5 min and you haven’t asked for a billion dollars in aid"...
...attached to a famous photo of an agitated, vein popping schoolboy (with a certain head inserted), who was in a classroom and desperately trying to hold in flatulence next to a girl.
Good work Elon - keep speaking up. You know you hit a soft spot when they react like that.. haha.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12584195/Elon-Musk-escalates-feud-Ukraine-tweet-mocking-Zelensky.html
bass4funk
Kevin will be fine.
Eastman
no UA "victory news" at all for a few days.
well as I have said many times this UA conflict will end as soon as flow of US cash from Whitehouse Kievs junta will get dry.
Joe did not managed conflict in Afghanistan and get defeated now same fate for action in UA.
2020hindsights
Eastman
Won't happen.
Eastman
UA have zero chance to win in this conflict.
Kievs junta have brought country to its knees.
there is no military solution for this.one and only way is peace negotiation asap.
UA WILL NOT PREVAIL but peace will do at the end.sooner-better.
wallace
Sven
A pro-Russian politician. A coalition government will be formed.
wallace
Some seem to forget or don't believe that it was Putin who started the war and invaded Ukraine.
Eastman
wallace
Fico is pro slovakian politician.not pro russian one.yes new gov is in process.in some 2wks from now if approved will come in to power.
bass4funk
No one told Biden to get involved knee-deep into this conflict.
Eastman
Maybe it's time to learn the points of a compass.
POINT is somewhere else.As for someone who have heard abt Slovakia just today and have no idea about Slovakian history its hard to explain.Fico is right and majority of Slovakians knows that.
US guys from Okinawa and many other places may be sent back home and to protect own countrys borders instead-its their JOB and DUTY.
again-its worthless to "discuss" with you anything...
2020hindsights
bass4funk
Some seem to forget or don't believe that it was Putin who started the war and invaded Ukraine.
Are US troops in Ukraine? No. So, I don't think the US is knee deep into this conflict.
2020hindsights
Eastman
He is both.
wallace
Thuban
The US has given Ukraine about $100 billion in aid and equipment. A small amount for a country like America.
wallace
bass4funk
You made numerous posts about the Crimea takeover and claimed Obama should have done more to help Ukraine.
ok1517
Sven,
which East are you talking of?
Looking from Siberia?
Most definitely so.
Besides, every $ not spent to support Ukraine is a dollar wasted to help PUTAin!
Ukraine prevails!
Haaa Nemui
2020hindsights. Keep it up. You’re doing a great job.
bass4funk
Yes
https://www.newsweek.com/us-intelligence-pentagon-leaks-american-us-troops-ukraine-jack-teixeira-1794405#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20leaked%20files%2C%20reviewed%20by%20The,the%20largest%20number%20of%20special%20forces%20in%20Ukraine—50.
bass4funk
In the “first” initial stages of the invasion buildup, absolutely. Biden has been going in way beyond that, it’s enough.
ok1517
Eastman,
"UA have zero chance to win in this conflict.
Kievs junta have brought country to its knees."
Quick recap:
Prigozhin is dead, Surovikin on holiday, Girkin in jail, Kadyrov is a paragon of health, russian generals arrested, PUTAin begging Kim Jung Un, Ukraine striking targets inside russia at will, the Black Sea Fleet is on a trip.... Sounds like russia is winning, right?????
Ukraine prevails!
Cards fan
This isn't true. Why do rightists continue to advocate for policies which are deletirious to democracy?
2020hindsights
bass4funk
Are US troops in Ukraine?
I don't consider having 12 troops in Ukraine to be knee-deep.
wallace
Eastman
wallace
Pro-Russian politician wins Slovakia’s parliamentary election
According to the final tallies released by Slovakia’s Statistical Office on Sunday, Robert Fico’s populist SMER party won 22.9% of the vote.
A very small number of votes and not even a majority.
Fico has pledged an immediate end to Slovak military support for Ukraine and promised to block Ukraine’s NATO ambitions in what would upend Slovakia’s staunch backing for Ukraine.
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/01/world/slovakia-election-pro-russia-robert-fico-win-intl-hnk/index.html
wallace
bass4funk
You believe the small amount of $100 billion in aid and equipment is enough. If Putin invades Poland and the Baltic States the costs will be much higher and will involve US troops directly.
Eastman
back to topic
Biden is unfit for his job and duties as US president.
foreign policy,domestic issues,you name it.all /you know what I mean/.
time for change.next year?
Keepyer Internetpoints
Money running low?
America never had any of the money!
The interest on the national debt is something like one trillion dollars now!
It was all borrowed. Any more will be borrowed.
wallace
Eastman
That is just your opinion. The election will decide.
But I guess you are also an expert on American politics.
Eastman
Keepyer Internetpoints
We all know about USA and their real position.power based on abuse of others and exploiting of other countries economies.
its very simple.liberal US gov have spent much more for their agenda both home and abroad and for meaningless conflicts here and there they have zero chance to win.as more money spent than get from taxes-they must make US debt even much higher.
EFD
There is no universe in which the bipartisan majority in Congress does not fund Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s war of aggression.
To think otherwise is the fever dream of a cult of morons.
2020hindsights
Keepyer Internetpoints
Maybe Trump shouldn't have given tax cuts mostly to the rich and they wouldn't be in as much debt.
Keepyer Internetpoints
Try going back to Reagan at least. Nixon would be better.
And stop blaming presidents for what the oligarchy has done by controlling Congress.
You seem to have zero clue how things are done or when they started.
kintsugi
Will Putin stop at Ukraine or will he push into Poland and Lithuania to create a corridor he wants? What happens if support for Ukraine stops? A bloodbath probably.
I'm against all wars so how to stop this one? Is Putin even interested in that?
konjo4u
The arms manufacturers welcome the business. Republicans know well that money is spent in their districts. And the arms manufactures donate money to Republican election campaigns.
La vie douce
*"The newly elected PM of Slovakia said it best: - *Freedom has always come from the east. War has always come from the west."
Media also report him saying this
Speaking after his victory, Fico said he “will do everything” in his power to kickstart Russia-Ukraine peace talks. “More killing is not going to help anyone,” Fico said.
Slovakia's incoming PM Mr. Fico sounds like he has the right idea.
2020hindsights
Keepyer Internetpoints
Maybe Trump shouldn't have given tax cuts mostly to the rich and they wouldn't be in as much debt.
Oh come on! Did Trump pass Trump Tax Reform Plan or not. I don't care who the lobbyists were, Trump passed the bill and cut revenue for the government.
Oh, I do. The fact is the tax cuts increased the debt.
2020hindsights
La vie douce
I know he is a strong supporter of Russia, but I doubt that he can get Putin to the negotiating table.
Haaa Nemui
Peace talks would be great, and I’m sure everybody agrees. The problem is the conditions on which peace talks are held.
La vie douce
"I know he is a strong supporter of Russia, but I doubt that he can get Putin to the negotiating table."
I agree that as a mini size country Slovakia certainly doesnt have much sway with Putin but more people / countries pushing for peace negotitions instead of war with no end in sight can only be a good thing.
SuperlibToday 07:55 am JST - I support America destroying the Russian military with zero casualties
The Ukranian casualties with no end in sight obviously don't matter to you, you make that very clear.
bass4funk
It is very true
We have over 56,000 homeless in California alone, sorry, let’s take care of our own people first.
That’s like saying in J6 there were on 8 protesters present.
Personally, I don’t care, Europe can do more, I care more about helping our people on the streets
That’s a big “if” what happens if Putin invades South Africa?
Zaphod
Well, he accidentally revealed the truth here: This is not a conflict between Russia and the Ukraine, this is a proxy war by the US govt against Russia.
And what people like he seem to forget is that while for the US this is a proxy war they can walk away from at any time, for Russian side this is an existential crisis. Sevastopol as a Nato base is as acceptable to any Russian government as Soviet missiles in Cuba are to any American one. But historical context seems a rare commodity.
La vie douce
"Peace talks would be great, and I’m sure everybody agrees. The problem is the conditions on which peace talks are held."
Agreed. That goes for both sides however, demanding that Russia gives up everything it holds including Crimea and Putin gets tried in Hague is obviously a non starter designed to fail by design. Both sides need to look at reality.
I wouldn't expect you to believe. But the head of the newly elected government of Slovakia does. Do you know better about the history of Slovakia than him? - History? It's nonsense. Utter nonsense from a pro-Russian authoritarian. Of course the pro-invasion crowd propagate his message, but that doesn't make it any truer."
Obviously the above poster does not have a clue about how Slovaks might feel about their history but for some whatever the US govt says is what has to be pushed.
Thuban
Zelensky and Elon are duking it out on Twitter as we speak.
Did Zelensky forget that his forces in the field are dependent on Musk’s Starlink for communications and targeting?
If Musk pulls Starlink it would certainly force Zelensky to the peace table sooner and end the suffering.
Musk might just do the right thing.
Zaphod
Haaa Nemui
Exactly. The latest so-called peace proposal floated by the Zelenski crowd is totally absurd; fundamentally it would amount to unconditional surrender by Russia. There are definitely ways out of this, but they have to include constitutional neutrality for Ukraine, along the lines of Switzerland and Austria. As long as the US side wants Nato bases at Russias throat, everything is a non-starter.
La vie douce
"Biden is unfit for his job and duties as US president.foreign policy,domestic issues,you name it.all /you know what I mean/.time for change.next year?"
And that is not even mentioning Mr. Biden's cognitive decline which is happenin before our eyes. It begs the question who the real policy decision makers are. He has served his country but it is evident he is getting too old for it all.
Haaa Nemui
would Putin accept that in return for all of the territories stolen? Otherwise, it would be Ukraine unconditionally surrendering. Even offering an internationally recognized referendum in those territories for those people that might want to be independent from Ukraine should be acceptable (IMO) but it’s a referendum that must not be forced by any one country, rather, held with the authority of Ukraine.
Eastman
La vie douceToday 10:38 am JST
"The newly elected PM of Slovakia said it best: - Freedom has always come from the east. War has always come from the west."
Media also report him saying this
Speaking after his victory, Fico said he “will do everything” in his power to kickstart Russia-Ukraine peace talks. “More killing is not going to help anyone,” Fico said.
Slovakia's incoming PM Mr. Fico sounds like he has the right idea.
That guy did not from NOWHERE.he was PM before.Slovaks knows him well.So here are results.Dont need to mention that even one minor party/have passed 5%/SNS also supporting peace negotiation and stop funding of Kiev junta with money,guns and bullets so Fico is sure not alone there.
Quote abt freedom is related to 1938 when Czechoslovakia was betrayed by that time allies UK and France/West/and was liberated by Red army,romanian army and czechoslovakian army/formed in city of Buzuluk-USSR.so freedom and peace came to Slovakia from East.
sure CNN "readers" wont get these facts but every average Slovakian knows these facts very well.
Slovakia may be small but lies in heart of Europe and is between west and east so naturally want serve as bridge between them.dont need to mention short border with UA so ending of conflict in UA is also in interest of Slovakia as well.just to make picture full and complete.
kintsugi
bass4funk
Not very good at maths. The other day you posted Biden added $31 trillion to the ND. 172,000 homeless in California, not 56,000.
Texas to have the 5th highest rate of people experiencing homelessness. In fact, 44.05 percent of residents are in shelters.
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-has-the-5th-highest-homelessness-rate-in-the-nation-study#:~:text=Its%20findings%20showed%20Texas%20to,second%2Dhighest%20rates%20of%20homelessness.
More than 1,000 looters and rioters were arrested.
You care very much and have made numerous posts.
Too late if it actually happens. Invading South Africa does not affect NATO.
kintsugi
Slovakia is a small unimportant country just like Hungary. But a member of NATO and if Putin dares to invade a NATO country will have to go with the NATO bloc in response.
Both Slovakia and Hungary survive on EU grants. Their powers are very limited.
ok1517
Thuban,
don't forget that there are other options than just Melon Mask's starlink!
Ukraine prevails!
Eastman
kintsugiToday 11:40 am JST
Slovakia is a small unimportant country just like Hungary. But a member of NATO and if Putin dares to invade a NATO country will have to go with the NATO bloc in response.
Both Slovakia and Hungary survive on EU grants. Their powers are very limited.
BUNCH OF LIES.thats all.you wont offend me.
ok1517
When UA will prevail?I will reply instead of you-NEVER!
2020hindsights
Thuban
To Musk's credit, he has given control of StarLink in Ukraine to the Pentagon.
kintsugi
Both Slovakia and Hungary should be ditched by the EU and NATO. Let them support and defend themselves.