Some Republican lawmakers remained skeptical of supporting the war in Ukraine despite an in-person joint congressional address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky’s trip took place as Congress deliberates an omnibus spending bill that would appropriate $45 billion more for Ukraine assistance, on top of $66 billion appropriated this year.
During his address, Zelensky thanked Congress for its continuing support for Ukraine, while members of Congress gave him repeated standing ovations.
At the end of his address, Zelensky unveiled a Ukrainian flag signed by Ukrainian troops in Bahkmut, which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Vice President Kamala Harris held behind Zelensky as he gave his last remarks.
However, some Republicans were clearly not moved.
Zelensky said during his speech, “Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) tweeted in response, “It is not charity. Charity would be given freely. The American taxpayers have been conscripted into making welfare payments to this foreign government.”
It is not charity. Charity would be given freely. The American taxpayers have been conscripted into making welfare payments to this foreign government. https://t.co/74GPrhZqgS
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 22, 2022
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said in a statement, “President Zelensky should be commended for putting his country first, but American politicians who indulge his requests are unwilling to do the same for ours.”
“Hemorrhaging billions of taxpayer dollars for Ukraine while our country is in crisis is the definition of America Last,” he said. “He did not change my stance on suspending aid for Ukraine and investigating fraud in transfers already made.”
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) December 22, 2022
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) demanded a “full audit” of where the previous money sent to Ukraine went.
My response to President Zelenskyy’s address to Congress 👇 pic.twitter.com/vTrAeys4ka
— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) December 22, 2022
As noted by one Axios reporter, some Republicans did not join in during the repeated standing ovations for Zelensky during his joint address.
Jordan, Cloud and Davidson standing for some. Others seem to be making a firm objection, including Clyde who shook his head no to a colleague next to him who stood up.
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) December 22, 2022
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