(LibertyInsider.org) — It’s no secret that Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) holds strong opinions about how the US should approach the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In late October, he told ABC News he would not support President Joe Biden’s proposed $105 billion aid package combining funding for Israel and Ukraine. However, Scott shared an even firmer stance on the matter during the Republican Party’s presidential debate on November 8.
Moderator Kristen Welker began by asking Scott whether, if he became President, he would opt to maintain the current administration’s financial support for Ukraine’s war efforts. The senator shifted focus to the importance of degrading the Russian military instead, a strategic move he believes better supports America’s “national vital interest” in Ukraine.
Scott, noting the “incredibly high price” of Ukrainian bloodshed, stated that the US and its allies grow closer to achieving that goal every day. “And that’s good news,” he added. But in terms of financial funding, he said there is a need for greater accountability around spending. He believes the government needs clearer answers if it is to continue supporting Ukraine.
The senator also took issue with the entire idea of bundling multiple financial aid packages together despite the fact that they target different crises. President Biden’s $105 billion aid package, for example, earmarks funds for Israel, the border, and Ukraine. He suggested that the US needs to focus on “standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel” by sending it the $14 billion needed to fight back against groups like Hebollah and Hamas first.
Scott, citing rising concerns about the potential for terrorist sleeper cells to enter the US via the southern border, would earmark funds for that emergency next. Labeling the problem a “national security emergency,” he reinforced the need to take urgent action.
Welker attempted to again redirect Scott back toward the situation in Ukraine, asking him again to clarify if he would support financial aid to the foreign country. Although he refrained from answering the question directly, he reiterated the need for accountability around spending. Scott also warned that failing to weaken Russia’s military could leave the US in a place where Article 5 of the NATO treaty forces the government to put boots on the ground.
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