(by Benedetta Guerrera) Surprise breakthrough in the United States. The weeks-long shutdown was averted at the last minute thanks to a compromise between moderate Republicans and Democrats. Saved millions of American citizens who will not be left without a salary, to pay for the agreement is Ukraine that will not receive the 6.2 billion dollars requested by President Joe Biden.
The first twist of a chaotic and long day on Capitol Hill came less than 12 hours after the country's paralysis when House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, after a closed-door meeting with his allies, announced that he would put to a vote another stopgap law that could give another 45 days to find an agreement on the budget.
The measure allows federal agency coffers to continue receiving funds until at least mid-November; It provides around $16 billion for emergency management and reconstruction, but cancels aid to Ukraine. "Russia was wrong but on aid to Kiev we have to find a plan, a strategy. And the White House must share it with us," said McCarthy, who since taking office has accused Biden of "writing blank checks" to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Before the vote, this was a key point for Democrats, one of the reasons why the previous Republican speaker's buffer bill was overwhelmingly rejected by both parties just two days ago. This time something has changed and it is possible that the president has sent a message to deputies and senators of his party.
Administration sources revealed that the White House considers the measure the best possible, given the circumstances, because it "keeps the federal government open, provides disaster aid, and does not contemplate major cuts to the administration's programs."
As for support for Ukraine, the source reveals, Biden expects McCarthy to guarantee it through other measures but there is concern about the progress of the war without American aid, especially from the Pentagon.
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