Biden seeks extension for delivering $5.8 billion in aid to Ukraine
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The Biden administration has asked Congress to extend the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) until 2025, which would make about $5.9 billion available for military aid to Ukraine after the fiscal year ends on September 30.
Rubryka reports this, citing The Hill.
The White House has requested that the continued funding be included in a continuing resolution put forward by House Speaker Mike Johnson. These funds are set to expire at the end of this month.
"We have $5.9 billion left under the Presidential Drawdown Authority. All of these funds, except for $100 million, must be used by the end of the fiscal year," said Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder.
A congressional aide told the media outlet that, without continued funding, the Biden administration could announce the provision of $5.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine by October 1 and use the rest of the year to ship equipment. However, this is seen as a less favorable option.
According to the aide, there may also be legal challenges with allocating the full $5.8 billion at once, such as if certain components are not available, which could cause delays.
If Congress extends the PDA, the White House would be able to send military aid to Ukraine in smaller batches several times a month.
In April, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a law authorizing more than $60 billion in support for Ukraine. As of early September, over $6 billion remained unused from this package. The administration must spend these funds by the end of the month or risk losing them.
The US Department of Defense has stated it will work with Congress to ensure the funding is not lost after the fiscal year ends.
In the US, the fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30 of the following year.
