The White House details its funding request for Israel, Ukraine, the border and more
Updated: 10:46 AM EDT Oct 20, 2023
Good evening, my fellow Americans, we're facing an inflection point in history. One of those moments where the decisions we make today are going to determine the future for decades to come. That's what I'd like to talk with you about tonight and early this morning, I returned from Israel. They tell me I'm the first American president to travel there during the war. I met with the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet and most movingly I met with Israelis who had personally lived through horrific horror of the attack by Hamas on the seventh of October. More than 1300 people slaughtered in Israel including at least 32 American citizens, scores of innocents from infants to the elderly grandparents, Israelis Americans taken hostage. As I told the families of Americans being held captive by Hamas. We're pursuing every avenue to bring their loved ones home. As president, there is no higher priority for me than the safety of Americans held hostage. The terrorist group Hamas unleashed pure unadulterated evil in the world. But sadly, the Jewish people know perhaps better than anyone that there is no limit to the depravity of people when they want to inflict pain on others. In Israel, I saw people who are strong, determined, resilient and also angry in shock and in deep, deep pain. I also spoke with President Abbas, the Palestinian authority and reiterated the United States remains committed to the Palestinian people's right to dignity and to self determination. The actions of *** mosque terrorists don't take that right away like so many other, I'm heartbroken by the tragic loss of Palestinian life including the explosion at the hospital in Gaza which was not done by the Israelis. We mourn every innocent life lost. We can't ignore the humanity of innocent Palestinians who only want to live in peace and have an opportunity. You know, the assault on Israel echoes nearly 20 months of war tragedy and brutality inflicted on the people of Ukraine people that were very badly hurt since Putin launched his all out invasion. We have not forgotten the mass graves. The bodies found bearing signs of torture, rape used as *** weapon by the Russians and thousands and thousands of Ukrainian Children forcibly taken into Russia, stolen from their parents. It's sick, Hamas and Putin represent different threats, but they share this in common. They both want to completely annihilate *** neighboring democracy, completely annihilated. Hamas stated purpose for existing is the destruction of the state of Israel and the murder of Jewish people. Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. Hamas uses Palestinian civilians as human shields and innocent Palestinian families are suffering greatly because of them. Meanwhile, Putin denies Ukraine has or ever had real statehood. He claims the Soviet Union created Ukraine. And just two weeks ago, he told the world that if the United States and our allies withdraw and if the United States withdraw, our allies will as well, military support for Ukraine would have quote *** week left to live, but we're not withdrawing. I know these conflicts can seem far away and it's natural to ask, why does this matter to America? So let me share with you why making sure Israel and Ukraine succeed is vital for America's national security. You know, history has taught us that when terrorists don't pay *** price for their terror, when dictators don't pay *** price for their aggression, they cause more chaos and death and more destruction, they keep going and the cost and the threats to America and the world keep rising. So if we don't stop Putin's appetite for power and control in Ukraine, he won't limit himself just to Ukraine. Putin has already threatened to remind, remind Poland that their western land was *** gift from Russia. One of his top advisers, *** former president of Russia has called Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Russia's Baltic provinces. These are all NATO allies for 75 years. NATO has kept peace in Europe and has been the cornerstone of American security. And if Putin attacks *** NATO ally, we will defend every inch of NATO which the treaty requires and calls for, we'll have something that we do not seek, make it clear. We do not seek, we do not seek to have American troops fighting in Russia or fighting against Russia beyond Europe. We know that our allies and maybe most important adversaries and competitors are watching, they're watching our response in Ukraine as well. And if we walk away and let Putin erase Ukraine's independence would be aggressors around the world be emboldened to try the same. The risk of conflict and chaos could spread in other parts of the world. In the Indo Pacific in the Middle East, especially in the Middle East. Iran is supporting Russia's in Ukraine and its supporting Hamas and other terrorist groups in the region and we will continue to hold them accountable. I might add the United States and our partners across the region are working to build *** better future for the Middle East. One where the Middle East is more stable, better connected to its neighbors and through innovative projects like the Indian Middle East Europe rail Corridor that I announced this year at the summit of the world's biggest economies, more predictable markets, more employment, less rage, less grievances, less war when connected, it benefits the people who would benefit the people in the Middle East and would benefit us. American leadership is what holds the world together. American alliance is what keeps us America safe. American values are what make us *** partner that other nations want to work with to put all that at risk. If we walk away from Ukraine, we turn our backs on Israel. It's just not worth it. That's why tomorrow I'm going to send to Congress an urgent budget request to fund America's national security needs to support our critical partners, including Israel. And Ukraine is *** smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations. Help us keep American troops out of harm's way, help us build *** world that is safer, more peaceful and more prosperous for our Children and grandchildren in Israel. We must make sure that they have what they need to protect their people today and always the security package I'm sending to Congress and asking Congress to do is an unprecedented commitment to Israel's security that will sharpen Israel's qualitative military edge which we've committed to the qualitative military edge. We're gonna make sure iron Dome continues to guard the skies over Israel. We're gonna make sure other hostile actors in the region know that Israel is stronger than ever and prevent this conflict from spreading. Look at the same time, President Netanyahu and I discussed again yesterday, the critical need for Israel to operate by the laws of war that means protecting civilians in combat as best as they can. The people of Gaza urgently need food, water and medicine. Yesterday, in discussions with the leaders of Israel and Egypt, I secured an agreement for the first shipment of humanitarian assistance from the United Nations to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, Hamas does not divert or steal this shipment. These shipments, we're going to provide an opening for sustained delivery of life saving humanitarian assistance for the Palestinians. As I said in Israel, as hard as this, we cannot give up on peace, we cannot give up on *** two state solution. Israel and Palestinians equally deserve to live in safety, dignity and peace. You know, and here at home, we have to be honest with ourselves. In recent years, too much hate is given too much oxygen fueling racism. The rise of anti Semitism, Islamophobia right here in America. It is also intensified in the wake of recent events that led to the horrific threats and attacks that both shock us and break our hearts. On October 7th, terror attacks have triggered deep scars and terrible memories in the Jewish community. Today, Jewish families worried about being targeted in school, wearing symbols of their face, walking down the street or going out about their daily lives. And I know many of you in the Muslim American community, the Arab American community, the Palestinian American community and so many others are outraged and hearty saying to yourselves. Here we go again with Islamophobia and distrust we saw after 9 11 just last week, my mother was brutally stabbed *** little boy here in the United States. *** little boy who just turned six years old was murdered in their home outside of Chicago. His name was Wadi. Wadi, *** proud American, *** proud Palestinian American family. We can't stand by and stand silent when this happens. We must without equivocation, denounce, anti-semitism. We must also without equivocation, denounce Islamophobia. And to all you heard it, those of you heard it. I want you to know, I see you, you belong and I want to say this to you. You're all America, you're all American. This is in *** moment where you know, in moments like these, when fear and suspicion, anger and rage run hard that we have to work harder than ever to hold on to the values that make us who we are. We're *** nation of religious freedom, freedom of expression. We all have *** right to debate and disagree without fear of being targeted in schools or workplaces or in our communities. I must renounce violence and vitriol. See each other. Not as any but as fellow Americans. When I was in Israel yesterday. I said that when America experienced the hell of 9 11, we felt enraged as well while we sought and got justice, we made mistakes. So I caution the government of Israel not to be blinded by rage. And here in America let us not forget who we are. We reject all forms, all forms of hate, whether against Muslim Jews or anyone. That's what great nations do. And we are *** great nation on Ukraine. I'm asking Congress to make sure we can continue to send Ukraine the weapons they need to defend themselves and their country without interruption. So Ukraine can stop Putin's brutality in Ukraine. They are succeeding. When Putin invaded Ukraine, he thought he would take Kiev and all of Ukraine in *** matter of days. Well, over *** year later, Putin has failed and he continues to fail. Kev still stands because of the brave they were Ukrainian people. Ukraine has regained more than 50% of the territory. Russian troops once occupied, backed by us, led coalition of more than 50 countries around the world all doing his part to support Kiev. What would happen if we walked away? We are the essential nation. Meanwhile, Putin has turned to Iran and North Korea to buy attack drones and ammunition to terrorize Ukrainian cities and people from the outset. I've said I will not send American troops to fight in Ukraine. All Ukraine is asking for is help for the weapons. I mean, this is the capacity the capability to push invading Russian forces off their land and the air defense system to shoot down Russian missiles before they destroy Ukrainian cities. Let me be clear about something. We send Ukrainian equipment sitting in our stockpiles and when we use the money allocated by Congress, we use it to replenish our own stores, our own stockpiles with new equipment, equipment that def that defends America and is made in America. Patron missiles for air defense batteries made in Arizona, artillery shells manufactured in 12 states across the country in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas. And so much more, you know, just as in World War two today, patriotic American workers are building the arsenal of democracy and serving the cause of freedom. Let me close with this. Earlier this year, I boarded Air Force one for *** secret flight to Poland there. I boarded *** train with blacked out windows for *** 10 hour ride each way to Kev to stand with the people of Ukraine ahead of the one year anniversary of the brave fight against Putin. I'm told I was the first American to enter *** war zone not controlled by the United States military since President Lincoln with me was just *** small group of security personnel and *** few advisors. But when I exited that train and met Jinsy, President Zelinski, I didn't feel alone. I was bringing with me the idea of America, the promise of America to the people who are today fighting for the same things we fought for 250 years ago. Freedom, independence, self determination. As I walked through key with President Solinski with air raid sirens sounding in the distance. I felt something I've always believed more strongly than ever before America is *** beacon to the world still still. Whereas my friend Madeleine Albright said the indispensable nation tonight, there are innocent people all over the world who hope because of us who believe in *** better life because of us who are desperate not to be forgotten by us and are waiting for us. But time is of the essence, I know we have our divisions at home. We have to get past them. We can't let petty partisan, angry politics get in the way of our responsibilities as *** great nation. We cannot and will not let terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin win. I refuse to let that happen. And moments like these, we have to remind, we have to remember who we are. We are the United States of America, the United States of America. And there is nothing, nothing beyond our capacity. If we do it together, my fellow Americans, thank you for your time.
The White House details its funding request for Israel, Ukraine, the border and more
Updated: 10:46 AM EDT Oct 20, 2023
The White House on Friday released a sweeping set of proposals to bolster Israel and Ukraine in the midst of two wars as well as invest more in domestic defense manufacturing, humanitarian assistance and managing the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.The total cost of the supplemental funding request was pegged at just over $105 billion. President Joe Biden hopes Congress will move urgently on the legislation, and he made the case for deepening U.S. support for its allies during a rare Oval Office address on Thursday night.The Democratic president's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters on Friday that Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Hamas' attack on Israel represent a "global inflection point.""This budget request is critical to advancing America's national security and ensuring the safety of the American people," Sullivan said.However, the next steps are in doubt while the House of Representatives remains in chaos with the Republican majority unable to choose a new speaker. Rep. Jim Jordan, of Ohio, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, is still pushing to run the chamber, an effort that has led to frayed nerves and bruised relationships on Capitol Hill.Even if Republicans are able to sort out their leadership drama, Biden will swiftly face resistance to his plans. He's hopeful that combining several different issues, from border security to countering China's influence, will foster a political coalition that can move the legislation forward.But there's equal potential for the entire package to get bogged down in various policy debates, especially when it comes to immigration, a historically contentious topic.Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, suggested it would be hypocritical for Republicans to oppose Biden's proposal after complaining about lax border management."We will not be lectured by those who refuse to act," she said. "As we've said repeatedly, Congress needs to take action to provide sufficient resources for the border."Although there was a lull in migrant arrivals to the U.S. after the start of new asylum restrictions in May, illegal crossings topped a daily average of more than 8,000 last month.The White House wants roughly $14 billion to, among other things, boost the number of border agents, install new inspection machines to detect fentanyl and increase staffing to process asylum cases.The biggest line item in the supplemental funding request is $61.4 billion to support Ukraine. Some of that money will go to replenishing Pentagon stockpiles of weapons that have already been provided."The world is closely watching what Congress does next," Sullivan said.Israel would receive $14.3 billion in assistance under the proposal. The majority of that money would help with air and missile defense systems.
WASHINGTON — The White House on Friday released a sweeping set of proposals to bolster Israel and Ukraine in the midst of two wars as well as invest more in domestic defense manufacturing, humanitarian assistance and managing the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The total cost of the supplemental funding request was pegged at just over $105 billion. President Joe Biden hopes Congress will move urgently on the legislation, and he made the case for deepening U.S. support for its allies during a rare Oval Office address on Thursday night.
The Democratic president's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters on Friday that Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Hamas' attack on Israel represent a "global inflection point."
"This budget request is critical to advancing America's national security and ensuring the safety of the American people," Sullivan said.
However, the next steps are in doubt while the House of Representatives remains in chaos with the Republican majority unable to choose a new speaker. Rep. Jim Jordan, of Ohio, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, is still pushing to run the chamber, an effort that has led to frayed nerves and bruised relationships on Capitol Hill.
Even if Republicans are able to sort out their leadership drama, Biden will swiftly face resistance to his plans. He's hopeful that combining several different issues, from border security to countering China's influence, will foster a political coalition that can move the legislation forward.
But there's equal potential for the entire package to get bogged down in various policy debates, especially when it comes to immigration, a historically contentious topic.
Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, suggested it would be hypocritical for Republicans to oppose Biden's proposal after complaining about lax border management.
"We will not be lectured by those who refuse to act," she said. "As we've said repeatedly, Congress needs to take action to provide sufficient resources for the border."
Although there was a lull in migrant arrivals to the U.S. after the start of new asylum restrictions in May, illegal crossings topped a daily average of more than 8,000 last month.
The White House wants roughly $14 billion to, among other things, boost the number of border agents, install new inspection machines to detect fentanyl and increase staffing to process asylum cases.
The biggest line item in the supplemental funding request is $61.4 billion to support Ukraine. Some of that money will go to replenishing Pentagon stockpiles of weapons that have already been provided.
"The world is closely watching what Congress does next," Sullivan said.
Israel would receive $14.3 billion in assistance under the proposal. The majority of that money would help with air and missile defense systems.