The Republican representative discusses waning support in the US Congress for aiding Ukraine.
On 10 August, US President Joe Biden submitted a request to Congress for an additional $24 billion in funding for Ukraine. This marked the first such request since Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in January, at a time when public support for continued military assistance to Ukraine has been declining. While a majority to approve the package may still be found among Democrats and some Republicans, concerns are rising about whether Speaker Kevin McCarthy will stand against the growing faction of his party that opposes further aid.
Most Republican presidential candidates have expressed skepticism about continuing to support Ukraine. Additionally, 70 House Republicans voted in July to cease all security assistance to Ukraine. The relatively slow pace of Ukraine’s counteroffensive has further contributed to the shift in opinion, with critics questioning the effectiveness of the military aid.
I spoke with Representative Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, about the ongoing debate in the House and the likelihood of approval for the aid package when Congress reconvenes after its summer break on 12 September. Bacon, a strong supporter of Ukraine, represents the Omaha area and serves on the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees military funding, defense policy, and operations. At the time of our conversation, the 60-year-old former US Air Force officer had just announced his bid for re-election and was driving through rural Nebraska.
Bacon acknowledged the division within the Republican Party over Ukraine, but he remains firm in his belief that aiding Ukraine is essential for both the country’s defense and for broader American interests. He described Biden’s handling of the situation as insufficient, stating that the president is only doing enough to ensure that Ukraine does not lose, but not enough to decisively win. Bacon’s concerns about the slow pace of the counteroffensive and the lack of a clear strategy were echoed by other Republicans, who are pushing for more assertive action from the administration.
While Bacon advocates for continued support, he also recognizes the growing wariness among voters about ongoing military involvement in Ukraine. Many of his colleagues, particularly those on the far right, argue that the US should focus on domestic issues rather than being entangled in foreign conflicts. This shift in sentiment is complicating the political landscape, as the House of Representatives wrestles with how best to balance international commitments with the will of the American electorate.
In our conversation, Bacon emphasized the importance of maintaining strong bipartisan support for Ukraine, particularly in light of the war’s evolving dynamics. He argued that cutting off aid would not only leave Ukraine vulnerable to Russian aggression but also undermine America’s global standing and national security. He is calling for a more comprehensive strategy that includes increased military support and clearer goals, while ensuring that the aid being provided is effectively used.
As Congress prepares to debate the latest Ukraine funding request, the future of US support remains uncertain. With Republicans divided and the public increasingly skeptical, the outcome of the debate will have significant implications not only for Ukraine but for US foreign policy in the coming years.
