We start at the White House, where, as we speak, the big four are in the Oval Office with President Biden. The outcome of this meeting holds significant implications not only for the United States but also for the global community. Ukraine is facing a critical situation, with President Zelensky emphasizing the urgent need for additional funding to combat Putin's forces. The decision on whether the U.S. will provide support rests largely on Speaker Johnson.
President Biden has highlighted the impending government shutdown as a pressing issue, with a partial shutdown looming on Friday. He stressed that it is Congress's responsibility to avert a shutdown, citing the potential adverse impact on the economy. Despite concerns, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism about preventing a shutdown.
However, the primary focus of the meeting is on securing additional assistance for Ukraine. President Biden has requested $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, along with support for Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian aid. While the Senate has approved the measure, Speaker Johnson has yet to bring it to a vote in the House.
To underscore the urgency of the situation, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is also present at the meeting. The President has warned that the lack of aid to Ukraine would severely limit the capabilities of Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield.
President Biden is expected to advocate strongly for passing the aid package during the meeting. Despite Speaker Johnson's current stance, the White House and Zelensky have emphasized the critical impact of delayed assistance on Ukrainian soldiers. The goal of the meeting is to persuade Speaker Johnson to reconsider his position and prioritize providing aid to Ukraine.
