No Ukraine aid yet from US amid Republican split
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Congress will not be able to authorize aid to Ukraine until after March 24 amid disagreements among several Republicans.
The Senate is unlikely to vote before leaving for recess Thursday on a bill approving $1 billion in loan guarantees to Ukraine, sanctions on Russia and International Monetary Fund reforms. Four Republicans backed it as the Foreign Relations Committee voted 14-3 in favor Wednesday.
Meanwhile, House Speaker John Boehner urged the Senate anew Thursday to adopt House-approved legislation for the loans, without sanctions or IMF provisions.
Many in his caucus reject expanding the IMF's lending capacity, which every other major country has approved.
They say it increases U.S. taxpayer exposure; the counterargument is it immediately releases money for Ukraine.
Other Republicans oppose paying for the loans with unused military money.
