WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-West Virginia, has voiced her support for certain aspects of President Biden's proposed $106 billion package to aid Ukraine, Israel, and provide additional financial support for border security.
But Capito also emphasized the need for Congress to review and make changes to the legislation.
Capito strongly emphasized the importance of supporting Israel in combatting terrorist actions by Hamas and to assist Ukraine in weakening Russian President Vladimir Putin without risking American lives.
President Biden presented the aid package during an Oval Office address, making a case for countering Russia's authoritarianism and Hamas' terrorist acts. The proposal includes allocations of $61.4 billion for Ukraine military and economic assistance, $14.3 billion for Israel military assistance, $14 billion for immigration enforcement, $9 billion for humanitarian assistance, $4 billion to counter China's influence, and $3.4 billion for the submarine industrial base.
Senate Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have expressed their intention to modify the proposal. The areas most likely to be changed are the allocation for southern border security and certain portions of Ukraine aid dedicated to economic and humanitarian support.
Capito specifically voiced concerns about the funding allocated for southern border security. The current proposal includes $4.4 billion for the Department of Homeland Security, $3.1 billion for additional Border Patrol agents and asylum officers, $1.4 billion for state and local governments to provide shelter and services for migrants, and $1.2 billion for narcotics detection and interdiction at the border. Capito emphasized the need for deterrence at the border and expressed her belief that the proposed package does not address this adequately. However, Capito did express support for the parameters set forth by the president.
Capito also expressed skepticism towards parts of the proposed allocation intended for humanitarian and economic aid to Ukraine. She stated that she is not interested in providing funds to help Ukraine with their drug problem but is more focused on supplying weapons to push back Putin and keep him out of NATO countries.
On the Senate floor, Capito addressed national security concerns both domestically and internationally. She emphasized the importance of investing in national security and supporting allies like Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific region. Capito believes that by doing so, the United States is prioritizing its own security and deterrence.