“No money will go to waste”: Professor Aizenberg on $5.8 billion transfer pending U.S. Congressional approval

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV. 

“Well, first of all, the money will definitely not go to waste. What Congress decides depends on the House of Representatives, and the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold the majority, is influenced by Trump. If Trump agrees, they will likely pass a simple resolution allowing the administration to use the funds in the next fiscal year,” he said.

If Congress does not approve the use of this money, the White House will provide it in the form of an aid package.

“And if they don't, the administration will announce a large aid package at the end of September, encompassing all these funds. The aid would then be distributed in portions over time. However, the administration would prefer not to proceed this way, as it would hinder their ability to assess Ukraine's current needs accurately. They would need to determine precisely what assistance will be provided, but if Congress does not pass a resolution, the funds will still be used and will not go to waste,” the professor said.

• On September 6, it was reported that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is in urgent talks with Congress to authorize the use of $6 billion in military aid to Ukraine before the September 30 deadline. If the funds are not transferred by then, there is a risk of losing them.
• On September 14, it was reported that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden had asked Congress to extend the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) until 2025 to keep about $6 billion for Ukraine after the end of the fiscal year on September 30.