McCarthy signals a GOP-led Congress won't be writing a 'blank check' for Ukraine aid

The House minority leader suggested voters won't support unchecked spending on Ukraine amid pressing domestic concerns like inflation and border security.

By Madeleine Hubbard

Published: October 19, 2022 12:23pm

Updated: October 19, 2022 1:38pm

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is signaling that a GOP-controlled Congress after November won't continue to approve give money to Ukraine's efforts against Russia war at the rate the U.S. is now.

"I think people are gonna be sitting in a recession and they’re not going to write a blank check to Ukraine. They just won’t do it," McCarthy, poised to become House speaker if Republicans retake the House on Nov. 8, told Punchbowl News on Tuesday.

The United States has spent over $60 billion in aid for Ukraine so far this year, equaling roughly $250 million a day since Russia invaded Feb. 24.

Roughly three weeks before Election Day, voter concerns, particularly among Republicans, also include improving border security and stopping crime nationwide, which will almost certainly require addition funding from Congress.

"Ukraine is important, but at the same time it can’t be the only thing they do and it can’t be a blank check," said McCarthy, a California Republican.