Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returned to the Capitol on Thursday for the second time since Russia launched its military invasion last February.
Zelensky gathered with around 70 senators and members of House leadership to appeal for continued aid as the fate of President Joe Biden’s request for $24 billion in additional Ukraine funding remains unclear. The Ukrainian leader projected optimism to lawmakers and reporters, despite his visit occurring on the heels of an expected government shutdown and amid fraying support from House Republicans for U.S. involvement in the conflict.
“Zelensky asked for a joint session. We just didn’t have time,” McCarthy said Thursday. “He’s already given a joint session, so what we’re doing for Zelensky is exactly the same thing we did for the prime minister of [the United Kingdom] and the prime minister of Italy. I always bring when leaders come in … a bipartisan group of leadership together.”
“They need it and they're gonna get it,” McCaul said of the $24 billion aid request. “The majority of the majority support this. I know there's some dissension on both sides, but a war of attrition is not going to win this.” Schumer said in brief remarks to reporters after Zelenky’s departure, “There was a single sentence that summed it all up, and I’m quoting him verbatim. Mr. Zelensky said, ‘If we don’t get the aid, we will lose the war.’”
Sen. Lindsey Graham said Zelensky was “very warmly welcomed.” Sen. Tim Kaine told the Washington Examiner that there wasn't tension in the room, though"there were questions."
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