President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Republican infighting over the next House speaker makes it harder for his administration to deliver on promised aid to Ukraine.
Biden told reporters he will deliver a speech on the issue in the coming days.
"It does worry me, but I know there are a majority of members in the House and Senate in both parties who have said that they support funding Ukraine," Biden said.
Biden said his speech will focus on "why it's critically important" for the West to maintain its commitment and how the relationship strengthens the United States "across the board."
Biden also said the administration is looking into other ways to support Ukraine amid House turmoil, alluding to an announcement soon on exactly how.
"We can support Ukraine in the next tranche that we need, and there is another means by which we may be able to find funding for that, but I'm not going to get into that now," he said.
Biden's comments came after a successful motion by Rep Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., to vacate the speakership from Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., is now temporarily acting as speaker pro tempore. On Tuesday, he adjourned the lower chamber until next week.
Until then, Republicans will be scrambling to find nominees and rally support behind them for what appears likely to be a prolonged battle.
McCarthy said he will not seek the position again. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, are reportedly vying for the spot.
Gaetz had accused McCarthy of working toward a backroom deal with Biden on getting Ukraine aid passed after the stopgap funding bill did not include it.
McCarthy has consistently denied the accusation.
Luca Cacciatore ✉
Luca Cacciatore, a Newsmax general assignment writer, is based in Arlington, Virginia, reporting on news and politics.
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