Reuters: US Democrats Could Approve New Ukraine Aid After Taking Control of Congress
With Democrats set to control both chambers of the US Congress from January, they could push through new aid for Ukraine, Reuters reports. Such a measure would likely draw the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto by President Donald Trump.
Starting in January, the Democratic Party will control both chambers of the US Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate, following the midterm elections. Reuters reports that this will let Democrats decide which measures come to a vote and could open the way to approving new aid for Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russia's invasion. Such a measure would likely win the two-thirds majority required to override a veto by President Donald Trump.
Aid halted and sanctions reversed
Reuters notes that Trump has effectively ended direct financial and military assistance to Ukraine, even though both Democratic and Republican lawmakers broadly support it. He recently angered members of Congress, including many Republicans, by lifting sanctions on Russian diesel fuel and abandoning sanctions on Russian energy, only weeks after signing the relevant laws. Democratic aides said aid to Kyiv is a priority.
Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, who is likely to chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has already introduced a bipartisan bill to block Trump's plan to return Russian diesel to the global market.
The war with Iran
Democrats may also focus on Trump's conduct regarding the war against Iran. Trump did not obtain congressional approval before launching hostilities against Iran together with Israel on 28 February. Democrats have repeatedly voted to end the fighting unless he seeks authorization from Congress. One such resolution passed both the House and the Senate with the support of several Republicans, but the Trump administration ignored it.
With their new leverage, Democrats could cut defense spending or delay confirmations of nominees to force Trump to obtain congressional approval to continue the war. They could also demand that officials brief lawmakers and the public, including in open hearings, about their plans.
Democrats won 220 House seats; 218 are needed for a majority.
