U.S. Congress debates Ukraine aid as Pentagon warns money running low

It not the Pentagon right to determine domestic policy

But in the Republican-led House of Representatives, Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he wanted more information from the Biden administration, and a Republican pushing for his removal as speaker accused McCarthy of cutting "a secret deal" with Biden to allow the House to vote on a bill.

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.

Yrral

It not the Pentagon right to determine domestic policy

Exactly, they should focus on foreign policy...

Thuban

"Today, DoD has exhausted nearly all available security assistance funding for Ukraine," 

Every dollar given to Zelensky and his cronies is a dollar taken away from a starving American child, of whom there are millions.

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.

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.

Of course now we have to tighten belts because countless billions have been wasted on Zelensky.

No. In so far as we need to "tighten our belts," it's a function of Republicans repeatedly cutting taxes for the richest Americans.

Children in America are going hungry.

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.

The newly elected PM of Slovakia said it best:

Freedom has always come from the east. War has always come from the west.

Freedom has always come from the east. War has always come from the west.

LoL come on now, not even you believe this nonsense. Let's not be silly now.

I support America destroying the Russian military with zero casualties.

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.

LoL come on now, not even you believe this nonsense. Let's not be silly now.

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?

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...

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.

Ukraine aren't extremists and they aren't looking to overthrow a government. They are defending themselves from imperialist Russia's invasion.

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.

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.

But the head of the newly elected government of Slovakia does.

He's not the head of the Slovakian government.

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.

He's not the head of the Slovakian government.

True enough. He hasn't been sworn in yet.

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.

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.

True enough. He hasn't been sworn in yet.

No. He doesn't have the votes to make him PM. He still needs a coalition.

Sven

The newly elected PM of Slovakia said it best:

Freedom has always come from the east. War has always come from the west.

And yet the Russian imperialists invaded Ukraine from the East.

So it's not true.

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.

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.

abt Fico and his sentence everyone who knows history of that country understands that his expression is right.

So how do you explain Putin's imperialist invasion from the East. Obviously the expression is wrong.

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

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.

Kevin will be fine.

Eastman

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.

Won't happen.

Sven

The newly elected PM of Slovakia said it best:

> Freedom has always come from the east. War has always come from the west.

A pro-Russian politician. A coalition government will be formed.

Some seem to forget or don't believe that it was Putin who started the war and invaded Ukraine.

Some seem to forget or don't believe that it was Putin who started the war and invaded Ukraine.

No one told Biden to get involved knee-deep into this conflict.

bass4funk

Some seem to forget or don't believe that it was Putin who started the war and invaded Ukraine.

No one told Biden to get involved knee-deep into this conflict.

Are US troops in Ukraine? No. So, I don't think the US is knee deep into this conflict.

Eastman

wallace

Fico is pro slovakian politician.not pro russian one.

He is both.

Thuban

Zelensky needs to make due with the $300 billion or so that he's already been given.

The US has given Ukraine about $100 billion in aid and equipment. A small amount for a country like America.

bass4funk

Some seem to forget or don't believe that it was Putin who started the war and invaded Ukraine.

> No one told Biden to get involved knee-deep into this conflict.

You made numerous posts about the Crimea takeover and claimed Obama should have done more to help Ukraine.

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!

2020hindsights. Keep it up. You’re doing a great job.

Are US troops in Ukraine?

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.

You made numerous posts about the Crimea takeover and claimed Obama should have done more to help Ukraine.

In the “first” initial stages of the invasion buildup, absolutely. Biden has been going in way beyond that, it’s enough.

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!

No one told Biden to get involved knee-deep into this conflict.

This isn't true. Why do rightists continue to advocate for policies which are deletirious to democracy?

bass4funk

Are US troops in Ukraine?

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.

I don't consider having 12 troops in Ukraine to be knee-deep.

Eastman

wallace

> another guy who have zero idea about Slovakia and its politics.

> 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.

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

bass4funk

You made numerous posts about the Crimea takeover and claimed Obama should have done more to help Ukraine.

> In the “first” initial stages of the invasion buildup, absolutely. Biden has been going in way beyond that, it’s enough.

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.

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.

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?

That is just your opinion. The election will decide.

But I guess you are also an expert on American politics.

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.

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.

Maybe Trump shouldn't have given tax cuts mostly to the rich and they wouldn't be in as much debt.

Maybe Trump shouldn't have given tax cuts mostly to the rich and they wouldn't be in as much debt.

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.

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?

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.

Keepyer Internetpoints

Maybe Trump shouldn't have given tax cuts mostly to the rich and they wouldn't be in as much debt.

Try going back to Reagan at least. Nixon would be better.

And stop blaming presidents for what the oligarchy has done by controlling Congress.

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.

You seem to have zero clue how things are done or when they started.

Oh, I do. The fact is the tax cuts increased the debt.

La vie douce

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.

I know he is a strong supporter of Russia, but I doubt that he can get Putin to the negotiating table.

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.

Peace talks would be great, and I’m sure everybody agrees. The problem is the conditions on which peace talks are held.

This isn't true.

It is very true

Why do rightists continue to advocate for policies which are deletirious to democracy?

We have over 56,000 homeless in California alone, sorry, let’s take care of our own people first.

I don't consider having 12 troops in Ukraine to be knee-deep.

That’s like saying in J6 there were on 8 protesters present.

You believe the small amount of $100 billion in aid and equipment is enough.

Personally, I don’t care, Europe can do more, I care more about helping our people on the streets

If Putin invades Poland and the Baltic States the costs will be much higher and will involve US troops directly.

That’s a big “if” what happens if Putin invades South Africa?

"If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin thinks he can outlast us, he's wrong. We'll have another package of aid soon to signal our support for the brave people of Ukraine," Jean-Pierre said.

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.

Haaa Nemui

Peace talks would be great, and I’m sure everybody agrees. The problem is the conditions on which peace talks are held.

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.

There are definitely ways out of this, but they have to include constitutional neutrality for Ukraine, along the lines of Switzerland and Austria

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.

bass4funk

We have over 56,000 homeless in California alone, sorry, let’s take care of our own people first.

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.

I don't consider having 12 troops in Ukraine to be knee-deep.

That’s like saying in J6 there were on 8 protesters present.

More than 1,000 looters and rioters were arrested.

You believe the small amount of $100 billion in aid and equipment is enough.

Personally, I don’t care, Europe can do more, I care more about helping our people on the streets

You care very much and have made numerous posts.

If Putin invades Poland and the Baltic States the costs will be much higher and will involve US troops directly.

That’s a big “if” what happens if Putin invades South Africa?

Too late if it actually happens. Invading South Africa does not affect NATO.

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.

Thuban,

don't forget that there are other options than just Melon Mask's starlink!

Ukraine prevails!

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.

To Musk's credit, he has given control of StarLink in Ukraine to the Pentagon.

Both Slovakia and Hungary should be ditched by the EU and NATO. Let them support and defend themselves.