White House Seeking COVID-19 And Ukraine Funding In "Lame Duck" Congress

The Washington Post has reported that the Biden administration is seeking a large new funding package for COVID-19 before the new Congress gavels-in, in January.

• The package is understood to be part of a broader package of funding which is also likely to include more funding for Ukraine and come as part of a Democrat push to legislate as many high priority items before a Republican majority takes over the House of Representatives.
  • Also on the agenda will be a FY23 package and debt ceiling expansion.
• WaPo: "Biden officials are finalizing a request for about [USD]$10 billion in additional public health funds by year’s end, part of a larger request that would also include funding for Ukraine..."
• The White House saw attempts to secure additional COVID-19 funding blocked by the GOP from inclusion in the government funding continuing resolution during an acrimonious pre-midterm session of Congress.
  • Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD) said in September there was, “zero interest in Covid or monkeypox” funding among Senate Republicans."