US showdown over Ukraine aid looms as counteroffensive grinds on

[1/3] A U.S. Capitol Police Officer walks a K-9 dog in front of the Capitol amid ongoing talks over government funding, as the threat of an October government shutdown looms on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., September 6, 2023. REUTERS/Julia Nikhinson Acquire Licensing Rights
WASHINGTON, Sept 7 (Reuters) – President Joe Biden’s latest request for Ukraine assistance faced new hurdles in the U.S. Congress on Thursday as factions of Republicans argued over federal spending ahead of a possible October government shutdown.
Last month, Biden asked Congress to approve $40 billion in additional spending, including $24 billion for Ukraine and other international needs and $16 billion in disaster relief, testing the country’s willingness to keep supporting Ukraine during its counteroffensive against Russian invaders.
U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say Ukraine’s counteroffensive, which has so far failed to penetrate Russia’s main defenses, is going slower than they expected and hoped.
The Senate and House of Representatives are due to consider the request this month, possibly adding it to a short-term spending bill to keep the government open after Sept. 30 while they debate a budget for next year.
The Republican-majority House is divided, with many Republicans backing the aid but some of the party’s farthest-right members calling for an end to the Ukraine assistance. Citing Republican sources, CNN and other news outlets reported that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is considering legislation including the disaster aid but leaving out the Ukraine funding.
McCarthy’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Democratic and Republican leaders of the Senate, which is narrowly controlled by Biden’s fellow Democrats, repeatedly pushed for the aid this week.