A small band of Republican holdouts has prevented the Senate and the House from moving spending bills through their respective chambers.
And instead of rolling out the red carpet for the Ukrainian president, Mr. McCarthy — who just months ago spoke forcefully about his commitment to Kyiv — now says Mr. Zelensky must convince him that supporting the fight against Russia is worth Congress’s money and time.
I don’t think I have to commit anything,” Mr. McCarthy told reporters on Tuesday.
The stance has put Mr. McCarthy out of step with other Republican leaders, like Senator Mitch McConnell, the minority leader, as well as the bulk of his own members in the House.
They have argued that helping Ukrainian troops by budgeting for a steady flow of weapons is a moral imperative, and that Mr. Zelensky could help persuade their more skeptical colleagues of that necessity, if only the speaker would give him the chance.
Persons:
Republican holdouts, McCarthy —, Kyiv —, Zelensky, Mr, McCarthy, Biden, Mitch McConnell
Organizations:
Republican, Senate, Kyiv, Russia, Republicans
Locations:
Russia, Ukraine