White House surrenders on Ukraine foreign aid

[spanone]

Last edited Sat Sep 14, 2019, 02:56 PM - Edit history (1)

(CNN)Trump administration officials lifted a hold on $250 million in military assistance to Ukraine on Wednesday, multiple sources told CNN, ending weeks of uncertainty about the future of the aid.

The move came as lawmakers prepared to vote on a measure that could have forced the administration to release the funds, which the White House effectively froze when officials initiated a review of Ukrainian defense aid late last month.

Their decision to pause the money sparked bipartisan concern about the potential consequences for Ukraine, as well as the potential benefits for Russia. The assistance included sniper rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, counter-artillery radars, night vision and military medical treatment -- all of which Ukrainians could use to counter pro-Russian separatists.

But under pressure from lawmakers, the White House quietly allowed the funding to move forward this week, in what is just the latest surrender from the Trump administration when it comes to foreign aid. Officials also abandoned an effort in August to cut $4 billion in aid across the board amid a bipartisan backlash.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/12/politics/ukraine-foreign-aid-white-house/

[UTUSN]

1. K&R

[spanone]

2. 'Quietly...'

all bluster & bullshit

[HipChick]

3. Caved again?...

Biggly BS'er