GOP funding plans & Ukraine

U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s latest funding plan appears to be in ruins, while lawmakers are busting out of town for the weekend, offering no clear endgame as hard-right Republicans push dangerously close to a federal shutdown.  The Biden administration will direct federal agencies on Sept. 22 to prepare for a shutdown, according to an Office of Management and Budget official who insisted on anonymity, a standard procedure days before a federal disruption. (The AP 09/21/23) Read more.   Zelenskyy's whirlwind visit to Washington WASHINGTON - President Volodymyr Zelenskyy worked to shore up U.S. support for Ukraine on a whirlwind visit to Washington on Sept. 21, delivering an upbeat message on the war’s progress while facing new questions about the flow of American dollars that have helped keep his troops in the fight against Russian forces.  The Ukrainian leader received a quieter reception than on his last visit in December but won generally favorable comments on the next round of U.S. aid. President Joe Biden gave Zelenskyy a red-carpet arrival on the White House South lawn.  Zelenskyy came to the Capitol with a firm message in private talks with Dems and GOP leaders. There's intensifying opposition to continued Ukraine funding from a faction of highly conservative congressional Republicans.  The US has provided $113B to Ukraine to date.  Asked about the funding issue after meeting with Zelenskyy, Biden answered, “I’m counting on the good judgment of the United States Congress. There’s no alternative.”   Biden has requested Congress add another $24B for Ukraine’s military and humanitarian needs.  The resistance to the request could lead to delays or reductions. Biden did announce another $325M on Thursday in what’s known as presidential drawdown assistance. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy notably chose not to join House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat, in greeting Zelenskyy.  McCarthy also confirmed he declined Zelenskyy’s request for a joint session of Congress, saying there wasn’t time it on short notice. But McCarthy praised the answers that Ukrainians delivered to lawmakers on Thursday.  “It was direct, I thought it was honest, they were answering the questions,” McCarthy said. “I heard a lot of positive things.”  Biden has called on world leaders to stand strong with Ukraine, even as he faces domestic political divisions at home. A hard-right flank of Republicans, led by Trump, Biden’s chief rival in the 2024 race for the White House, is increasingly opposed to sending more money overseas. (The AP 09/21/23) Zelenskyy delivers upbeat message to US lawmakers on war progress as some Republican support softens | AP News