Biden Urges Congress to Pass Aid Package for Ukraine and Israel in Primetime Speech

President Joe Biden told Americans that defending Ukraine and Israel is “vital” to U.S. interests and urged Congress to pass an aid package to the two countries.

Speaking from the Oval Office, in a primetime address that lasted about 15 minutes, Biden discussed the adversity the two countries are facing. Earlier this month, Hamas militants carried out terrorist attacks in Israel, killing 1,400 people, which have prompted Israel to retaliate against Hamas-controlled Gaza. Last year, Russia invaded Ukraine, it has been trying to fend off ever since.

“American leadership is what holds the world together, he said. “American alliances are what keep us, America, safe. American values are what make is a partner that other nations want to work with. To put all that risk, if we walk away from Ukraine, if we turn our backs on Israel, it’s just not worth it.”

He then implored the Republican-controlled House and Democratic-controlled Senate to pass a security package for the two countries:

That’s why tomorrow I’m going to send to Congress an urgent budget request to fund America’s national security needs, to support our critical partners, including Israel and Ukraine. It’s a smart investment that’s going to pay dividends for American security for generations, help us keep American troops out of harm’s way, help us build a world that is safer and more peaceful, and more prosperous for our children and grandchildren.

The House is currently mired in an ongoing slog to choose its next speaker after it ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) two weeks ago. Since then, Republicans have been unable to come to a consensus on a new speaker, as Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) lost two votes this week. Currently, Republicans are considering giving the speaker pro tempore more powers for the time being so that it can pass vital legislation.

Watch above via MSNBC.