Biden administration asks Congress for $32.5 billion for COVID and Ukraine
CBSDec 15, 2021
The Facts
The Biden administration is seeking $10B for humanitarian and military assistance in Ukraine, and $22.5B for COVID and future pandemic planning.
Shalanda Young, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, made the request citing the need for 'critical assistance'.
The Spin
Left narrative
Helping Ukraine and fighting COVID are both urgent and immediate needs, and it's crucial parties unite behind these. Despite the bipartisan resolve against Russian actions, Republicans are resistant to plan for America's future.
Right narrative
Helping Ukraine may be urgent, but there's no need to waste money on additional COVID spending. New cases have fallen 90% from their Jan. 15 peak and hospital admissions continue to decline. The request is totally unjustified, especially as the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan was passed only last year.