The significance to the Republican Party (GOP- “Grand Old Party”) of United States taxpayer support for Ukraine, which since 24 February 2022 exceeds US$113.1 billion (some of which has yet to be disbursed) and to which the Biden-Harris Administration is expected to seek an additional US$50+ billion in appropriations by the 118th United States Congress in 2023, will become more evident, and likely more divisive, during the next months as the Republican Party commences its search for a 2024 nominee for President of the United States.  For Fiscal Year 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration in is proposal for the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sought US$8.922 billion for the government of Ukraine.

The Washington, DC-based Republican National Committee (RNC) has scheduled the first presidential primary debate for 23 August 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The RNC is planning for ten to twelve debates prior to its national convention in August 2024.  The Presidential Election is on Tuesday, 5 November 2024.  The first Republican Party nominating event is 5 February 2024 (caucus) in the State of Iowa, followed by 13 February 2024 (primary) in the State of New Hampshire, and 27 February 2024 (primary) in the State of Michigan.

Announced Candidates (with most recently-held offices)

Doug Burgham, Governor of the State of North Dakota (2016- ), Founder- Kilbourne Group (2013-2016)

Chris Christie, Governor of the State of New Jersey (2010-2018), United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey (2010-2018)

Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida (2019- ), United States House of Representatives (2013-2018)

Nikki Haley, Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations (2017-2018), Governor of the State of South Carolina (2011-2017)

William Hurd, United States House of Representatives (2015-2021)

Asa Hutchinson, Governor of the State of Arkansas (2015-2023), Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Border and Transportation Security (2003-2005)

Perry Johnson, Founder- Perry Johnson Registrars Inc., 2021 candidate for nomination of the Republican Party for governor of Michigan  

Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States (2017-2021), Governor of the State of Indiana (2013-2017)

Vivek Ramaswamy, Executive Chairman, Strive Asset Management (2022- ), Chief Executive Officer, Roivant Sciences (2014-2021)

Tim Scott, United States Senator from State of South Carolina (2013- ), United States House of Representatives (2011-2013)

Donald Trump, 45th President of the United States (2017-2021), Owner- The Trump Organization (1999- )

Neither former President Trump nor Governor DeSantis are aligned with the perspective of Mrs. Haley and Messrs. Christie, Pence, Pompeo, Scott, and others.  A majority of forty-nine members of the Republican Caucus of the 100-member United States Senate, including Mitch McConnell (R- Kentucky), the Minority Leader, support the provision of taxpayer borrowed resources to the government of Ukraine and armed forces of Ukraine. 

United States Government Funding Background

In 2022, the 117th United States Congress appropriated US$113.1 billion for Ukraine with those funds to be disbursed from 2022 through 2026 (or earlier as ordered equipment becomes available for delivery).  The 117th United States Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) were controlled by the Democratic Party.  The 118th United States Congress has a House of Representatives controlled by the Republican Party.

Biden 2024 Budget Proposal Implies Substantial Resources For Ukraine Not Required Beyond 2023.  US$113.1 Billion Appropriated In 2022.  US$8.922 Billion For 2024?  Some 2022 Funds Not Yet Spent.

In July 2023, the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives approved US$886 in funding for the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  The current NDAA includes approximately US$300 million for Ukraine-related expenditures.  There remain differences which will be reconciled in a conference between both chambers.

The White House initially proposed to spend US$842 billion for the NDAA in Fiscal Year 2024 representing an increase of 3.2% from Fiscal Year 2023.  The budget proposal included funding for Ukraine- although not specifying whether the proposed funding is military-related or economic-related: 

• “Supports Ukraine, European Allies, and Partners. The Budget provides over $6 billion to support Ukraine, the United States’ strong alliance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and other European partner states by prioritizing funding to enhance the capabilities and readiness of United States, allied, and partner forces in the face of continued Russian aggression.”

• “In addition, the Budget requests $753 million for Ukraine to continue to counter Russian malign influence and to meet emerging needs related to security, energy, cybersecurity, disinformation, macroeconomic stabilization, and civil society resilience.”

• “To assist Ukraine and manage the aftershocks of Putin’s invasion, the request includes 469 million to bolster the economy and ensure the continuity of government services, strengthen their energy infrastructure and cyber security, and ultimately promote the resilience of the Ukrainian people.”

• “This request includes $1.7 billion that will help Ukraine win the war and lay the reform and recovery foundation for winning the peace and help other partners impacted by the war stabilize their economies and prepare for recovery.”