By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has backed a spending bill that allocates significant funding for border security measures in Ukraine, even as the United States grapples with its own border security challenges. The bill, which received support from 151 House Republicans and 165 House Democrats last Friday, proposes sending over $95 billion overseas, with around $61 billion earmarked for Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Included in the funding for Ukraine, detailed in the bill’s spending provisions, is $300 million designated for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine. These funds are intended to support units either supporting or under the command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, akin to the role of the U.S. Border Patrol.
Meanwhile, domestic issues concerning border security persist, with illegal immigration remaining at peak levels along the southern U.S. border. In a stark contrast to the robust funding for Ukraine, President Joe Biden’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently seeking Congressional approval for funding only 34,000 detention beds for migrants—7,500 fewer than currently funded.
Further complicating the issue, Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Patrick Lechleitner expressed to Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA) a preference for funding up to 50,000 detention beds. Although this figure is well below the level many consider necessary to effectively manage border crossings, it significantly exceeds the request made by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Lechleitner’s comments were highlighted in a recent statement on Twitter.
This juxtaposition of foreign and domestic funding priorities raises questions among lawmakers and the public about the allocation of U.S. taxpayer dollars, particularly at a time when national border security challenges continue to escalate.