Yellen says House Republican delay on Ukraine military aid is "a gift to Putin"
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Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and his fellow Republicans on Thursday that further inaction on additional military aid to Ukraine will only embolden Russia and other U.S. adversaries.
Why it matters: Delays to additional aid have forced Kyiv to ration ammunition and supplies, which has cost the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and allowed Russia to gain ground in eastern Ukraine.
- It's been nearly seven months since the White House asked Congress to approve additional aid to Ukraine.
What they're saying: Yellen, speaking at a meeting Thursday with Germany's vice chancellor, said further delays in Congress will be "nothing short of a gift to Putin, Iran and other adversaries that stand against America and its allies."
- "The House must act and show the strength of the U.S support for Ukraine in the face of Putin's aggression," she said, per a copy of her prepared remarks.
The big picture: She specifically called on Johnson to pass a bipartisan $95 billion aid package that includes military and economic assistance for Ukraine that the Senate passed in February.
- Johnson opposed the bill because it lacked border security provisions, though he also opposed a potential bipartisan border security deal after former President Trump disapproved of it.
- The Republican party has in recent months become deeply divided on supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion, as have GOP voters.
Between the lines: Some House Republicans likely won't act on Ukraine aid until Trump approves of it — and he so far hasn't.
- Trump has either opposed additional Ukrainian aid or has demanded that any aid be given in the form of a loan.
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