Reference News Network reported on October 29. According to the German “Welt” website reported on October 24, US Republican Congressman Matt Gates often used a few words to explain what problems Europe and NATO may face. As early as July, he appealed: “Don’t give Ukraine more billions!” On the eve of the midterm elections, Republicans’ calls for reducing aid to Ukraine have grown louder. Republicans, who are already increasingly isolationist, see the slogans as leverage to pressure Democrats and President Biden.
Some Republicans are now calling for Europe to take over from the United States and do more for Ukraine, the report said. “Our European allies must start addressing the problems in their own backyards before asking us to invest more,” Republican foreign policy expert Rep. Tim Burchett said, according to Politico.
Even the Biden administration is polite but firm in demanding more commitment from Europeans. US Defense Secretary Austin said that the benchmark for NATO countries’ defense spending to account for 2% of GDP is only “our expectations of our allies”, and “we will encourage countries to exceed the 2% target.”
On October 13, US Defense Secretary Austin (second from left in the front row) attended the NATO Defense Ministers’ Meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. (Associated Press)
If Republicans win the Nov. 8 midterm elections and secure a majority in the future House of Representatives, pressure from Germany, Europe and other NATO partners could increase. In the United States, Congress has budgetary authority. Republicans will be able to force Biden to demand more of his allies.
The report also pointed out that as the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, the demands on Germany, the European Union and other countries may become more extensive. Many Americans are not as economically as Germans, not to mention imperfect health care and expensive education. They often fail to understand why the United States continues to invest in Europe—specifically in Ukraine—while their own living conditions are deteriorating.