'The war machine keeps churning': Biden slammed after he says Congress not passing Ukraine aid bill is 'close to criminal neglect'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden faced quite a backlash on social media after he highlighted the urgency of providing additional military aid to Ukraine, labeling the potential failure of Congress to do so as "close to criminal neglect."

The President's statement came during a pivotal Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, coinciding with Senate deliberations over a $95 billion aid package earmarked for Israel, Taiwan, and war-torn Ukraine.

"The failure of the United States Congress, if it occurs, not to support Ukraine, is close to criminal neglect," remarked President Biden, 81. He added, "It is outrageous."

Chancellor Scholz echoed Biden's sentiment, asserting that Ukraine's ability to defend itself hinges on support from the United States and European nations. "Without the support of the United States, and without the support of the European states, Ukraine will have not a chance to defend its own country," Scholz affirmed, aligning with Biden's stance.

Political friction and opposition

The backdrop of the debate reflects a broader political discord, with House Republicans obstructing new US funding, citing concerns over the sustainability of pouring taxpayer money into Ukraine's war efforts and advocating for increased involvement from European allies, the Associated Press reported.

Scholz noted the ramifications of wavering support for Kyiv, warning of potential long-term costs and the vulnerability to exploitation by adversaries.

“Others around the world are watching closely to see whether these divisions can be exploited and whether disinformation campaigns can take hold,” the German chancellor wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed published Thursday. “We must prove them wrong by convincing citizens on both sides of the Atlantic that a Russian victory would make the world a far more dangerous place. It would also strain our budgets while putting the freedom and prosperity of each of us in peril.”

Despite the challenges, he pointed out the European Union's recent initiatives to aid Ukraine, including paving the way for EU membership talks and earmarking substantial funds for weapons deliveries. That said, the US has already forked over some $111 billion to Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict.

Dissenting voices within the Republican Party, such as Senator Rand Paul, have voiced opposition to the proposed aid. “I would say it’s criminal neglect for Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer, and Joe Biden to get together to send $100 billion overseas to fix someone else’s border before addressing our border,” Paul (R-Ky.) told Fox Business.   

“I meet no one in Kentucky, no conservatives across the land that are for this, but the leadership of the Senate under Mitch McConnell is more concerned with sending your money to Ukraine than they are with the invasion of the southern border,” the Kentucky Republican added, promising to do “everything in my power to slow down and stop” the Ukraine aid bill.

“The money has to be borrowed. We don’t have 100 billion sitting around,” he added. 

The Senate's consideration of the $95 billion foreign aid bill follows the collapse of a bipartisan package linking Ukraine aid to enhanced border security measures and the defeat of a standalone Israel aid bill in the House earlier in the week.

Despite initial hurdles, the Senate voted 64-19 to commence debate on the aid bill, signaling bipartisan support for the measure's consideration, per the New York Post.

Social media backlash

However, social media erupted with criticism directed at President Biden.

"The criminal neglect is encouraging millions to come illegally because your policies keep our borders open," one posted on X.

"Aka I need my 10%," another wrote.

"Did you ever consider putting on your big boy pants and going over there to volunteer?" someone else added.

"How about not burdening future generations of Americans with trillions in debt by funding endless wars," a comment read.

"The war machine keeps churning," another offered.

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