People in Nashville shared mixed opinions on whether sending aid to Ukraine or fixing the border crisis is more important for America’s national security. EXCLUSIVE: The White House is urging Congress to delay its holiday recess to address issues at the southern border, aid for Ukraine and Israel, and more, while slamming Republicans for “actively undermining our national security interests” to “go on vacation.”
In a memo obtained by Digital, White House deputy press secretary and senior communications adviser Andrew Bates accused congressional Republicans of prioritizing vacation over critical national security issues. The House of Representatives has wrapped up its votes for the year, and members are expected to return to their districts, while the Senate is also set to finish its last day of session.
Bates opened the memo by stating that President Biden is actively working to make American families safer every day, while congressional Republicans are “actively undermining our national security interests—both domestically and around the world—because they’d rather go on vacation than do their jobs.” The memo emphasized that President Biden has released a concrete plan to address national security issues, including supporting Israel against Hamas, aiding Ukraine against Russian tyranny, protecting American interests in the Indo-Pacific, and securing the border.
However, Bates argues that congressional Republicans are blocking these national security proposals, which would ultimately make American families safer. The memo accuses Republicans of choosing vacation over joining President Biden in fighting to make the southern border more secure. Bates also highlights that President Biden’s plan would hire new border patrol officers and invest in technologies crucial for stopping fentanyl trafficking.
The memo also demands Congress to address aid for Israel to replenish the Iron Dome and provide additional assistance to Ukraine. Bates claims that Russian state TV has thanked congressional Republicans for holding up vital defense assistance for Ukraine, which it needs to defend its democracy. The memo warns that if Putin wins in Ukraine, it would pose a threat to NATO’s doorstep and the United States’ obligation to defend its NATO allies.
However, President Zelenskyy of Ukraine reportedly assured Speaker Mike Johnson that Ukraine’s aid won’t run out until February, contradicting the White House’s claims. Bates also criticizes congressional Republicans for prioritizing their vacations over Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.
In response to the memo, a spokesman for Speaker Johnson called the White House’s attempt to shift blame “pathetic” and highlighted the House’s bipartisan efforts on Israel aid and border security. The spokesman also pointed out that President Biden has spent over 400 days on vacation since taking office and only engaged in border talks recently.
In conclusion, the debate over national security priorities between aid for Ukraine and border security continues to divide Americans. The White House accuses congressional Republicans of prioritizing vacation over critical national security issues, while Republicans argue that the blame lies with the White House and Senate Democrats for failing to produce effective measures. As Congress wraps up for the holiday recess, the conversation around these pressing issues will likely continue into the new year.
Brooke Singman is a Digital politics reporter. You can reach her at [email protected] or @BrookeSingman on Twitter. Stay updated on the latest from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content.
