Republicans divided over Zelensky's address to Congress and ask for funding

The divide among congressional Republicans about the U.S. continuing to give billions of dollar to aid Ukraine in its war with Russian was on full display Wednesday night when Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke at a joint meeting off Congress.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy reiterated after Zelensky's address to Congress that he has never "supported a blank check." McCarthy could also become the chamber's next speaker, with his comments suggesting Ukraine as of January could have more difficult time getting Congress to agree to additional spending.

Two of the most conservative House Republicans, who take control of the chamber in January, were more emphatic about not spending U.S. money on Ukraine's effort to thwart the Russia invasion.

"President Zelensky should be commended for putting his country first, but American politicians who indulge his requests are unwilling to do the same for ours," Rep. Matt Gaetz tweeted. "Hemorrhaging billions in taxpayer dollars for Ukraine while our country is in crisis is the definition of America last."

The Florida lawmaker and fellow GOP Reps. Lauren Boebert, of Colorado, and Tim Burchett, of Tennessee, did not clap when Zelensky walked onto the House floor.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said he was in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening but would not be attending "the speech of the Ukrainian lobbyist," according to Politico.

Texas GOP Rep. Pat Fallon approved of Zelensky's speech and said the United States needs to support Ukraine.

However, he also argued, "We need to do it in a way which is transparent, which makes sure that the resources go to the places that they need to go to."

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said financial assistance to Ukraine would be one of the GOP's top priorities. 

Congressional Republicans have been split on the response to Ukraine since before Russia's invasion in February. Zelensky's visit to the U.S., his first international trip since the invasion, comes less than a month before the GOP will take over the House.