WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden convened a meeting at the White House on Tuesday with the top four congressional leaders in a race against time to provide military aid to foreign allies and avoid a potential partial government shutdown at the end of the week.
During the meeting, President Biden emphasized the importance of Congress fulfilling its responsibility to fund the government to prevent significant damage to the economy. Urgency was underscored, particularly in the context of dire consequences resulting from inaction in Ukraine.
Democratic leaders exiting the meeting described the discussions as intense, especially regarding the stalled aid for Ukraine. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer remarked on the passion exhibited during the exchange, urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to take action promptly to support Ukraine and prevent potential repercussions from a lack of intervention.
The meeting highlighted a sense of urgency and shared commitment to resolving critical issues, especially related to Ukraine. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell echoed his support for aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for swift action.
House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the urgency in addressing Ukraine and other foreign aid, while also stressing the imperative of securing America’s southern border. He advocated for immediate executive actions to address border security concerns, underscoring the need for swift and decisive measures.
Lawmakers faced mounting pressure to reach agreements on critical military aid for Ukraine and the budget to fund the government through the fiscal year. The looming threat of a government shutdown added further urgency to the discussions, with lawmakers racing to avert a potentially catastrophic outcome.
If a resolution is not reached on funding, several key departments and programs face the risk of shut down, which could have far-reaching implications on federal workers, benefits programs, and essential services. The possibility of a stopgap funding bill to prevent a shutdown was being considered as a temporary solution.
The funding standoff has also impacted other congressional proceedings, delaying the transmission of articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate. As lawmakers grapple with funding deadlines, the broader congressional agenda is affected, with implications for legislative priorities and timelines.