Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

February 29, 2024

This bipartisan agreement prevents a damaging shutdown and allows more time for Congress to work toward full-year funding bills. That's good news for the American people. But I want to be clear: This is a short-term fix, not a long-term solution.

In the days ahead, Congress must do its job and pass full-year funding bills that deliver for the American people. And House Republicans must act on the bipartisan national security supplemental, which already passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and would pass the House if it was brought to a vote.

During my meeting with congressional leaders this week, we all agreed on the vital importance of supporting Ukraine. That understanding must now be backed with action. Every day that House Republicans refuse to hold a vote on the bipartisan national security supplemental, the consequences for Ukraine grow more severe.

In addition to arming Ukraine as they defend against Russian attacks every single day, this bill will help ensure that Israel can defend itself against Hamas and other threats. And it will provide critical humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people and those impacted by conflicts around the world. Because the truth is, the aid flowing into Gaza is nowhere near enough and nowhere fast enough. Innocent lives are on the line.

It is time for House Republicans to put our national security first and move with urgency to get this bipartisan bill to my desk.

NOTE: The statement referred to Speaker of the House of Representatives J. Michael Johnson; House Minority Leader Hakeem S. Jeffries; and Senate Minority Leader A. Mitchell McConnell. It also referred to H.R. 7463; and H.R. 815.

Categories: Statements by the President : Continuing appropriations legislation, congressional passage.

Names: Jeffries, Hakeem S.; Johnson, J. Michael; McConnell, A. Mitchell; Schumer, Charles E.

Subjects: Continuing appropriations legislation; Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024; Gaza, conflict with Israel; Gaza, humanitarian situation; Hamas political-paramilitary organization; House minority leader; Israel, U.S. assistance; National Security Act, 2024; Russia, conflict in Ukraine; Senate majority leader; Senate minority leader; Speaker of the House of Representatives; Ukraine, Russian invasion and airstrikes; Ukraine, U.S. assistance.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400147.

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