U.S. Congress should plan a national security supplemental in the lame-duck: Our partners, Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, will need more ammunition to keep them and us safe before the end of the calendar year. Congress should plan for a supplemental aid package for all three nations during the lame-duck session from mid-November to mid-December to ensure that these critical partners have the weapons needed to make plans for their security and ours over Calendar Year 2025. Such a lame-duck supplemental would spare the new Administration from pressing this issue to a new Congress for at least 12 months.
Lame Duck Military Aid Would Be A Smart Idea
The bipartisan bill passed in April 2024 was a significant step towards supporting these partners. However, the weapons this bill provided are starting to run low in Israel and Ukraine. It is imperative that we send another signal of support to Taiwan as China steps up its threats. Such a package would send a clear, bipartisan message that we will support our friends in this moment of great peril and that partnership with the United States is strong, nonpartisan, and unwavering.
What Was Done In the Past: The Context
In April, Congress passed a landmark $95 billion aid package, which allocated $61 billion to Ukraine, $26 billion to Israel, and $8 billion to Taiwan. This package will bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, support Israel amidst regional tensions, and enhance Taiwan’s military capabilities in the face of increased Chinese threats. The legislation included provisions for economic assistance and military financing, signaling robust U.S. support for its allies.
The Situation in Ukraine
Despite the significant aid provided, the evolving situation in these regions highlights the need for further support – and sooner than we planned. Ukraine, bolstered by our investments to date, has made significant strides against Russian forces and is on the offensive today in Russian territory. America likes a winner, Ukraine is on the march, and Russia is on the back foot. The U.S. has already provided $175 billion in aid to Ukraine since the start of the war, with Europe sharing the burden by contributing $156 billion.
Europe needs to do more. We should go to Europe and say we are willing to contribute more to Ukraine, but only if they do it more quickly and match or exceed what we are doing. We might also use this as an opportunity to pressure the ten or so countries in NATO who are not meeting their 2% of GDP on Defense spending commitment. This united effort has been crucial in turning the tide of the conflict. However, the job is far from done, and running out of bullets in either the case of Israel or Ukraine would undermine the progress made and risk reversing these hard-won gains.
Israel Faces Big Challenges As Well As Taiwan
Israel, too, is facing escalating tensions. With conflicts intensifying in Gaza and a likely second front with Hezbollah attacking northern Israel or a possible broader war with Iran, the need for additional support is pressing. Israel is using a large amount of ammunition and needs more components for its advanced defense systems.
In recent court filings related to a motion brought before the Supreme Court by female Armored Corps fighters, the IDF claimed that “the number of operational tanks in the corps is insufficient for the needs of the war.”
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s defense preparations against potential Chinese aggression require expedited support due to the slow pace of delivery of our promised military aid to Taiwan.
What Is At Stake
Providing additional aid is not just a matter of maintaining current support, but also a strategic necessity to ensure these allies are well-equipped for the challenges ahead. A supplemental package would include more advanced weaponry and defense systems for Ukraine and Israel to sustain their defensive operations and deter further aggression; continued economic support to “keep the lights on” in Ukraine, ensuring stability amidst the conflict; and accelerating the delivery and development of military systems to fortify Taiwan against Chinese threats.
Passing a supplemental aid package in the lame-duck session will require congressional leaders to begin conversations now in order to pass legislation by mid-December. Congress can be the predictable policymaking body at this time, ensuring continuity and steadfast support while the inevitable turbulence of an executive transition unfolds.
The security and stability of Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan are intertwined with broader global security concerns. Ensuring our allies have the resources they need to defend themselves not only supports these nations, it protects our own national interests and reinforces the United States as a trusted partner and global leader. It is not just the right thing to do, it is a national security priority.
About the Author
Daniel F. Runde is a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. He is also the author of “The American Imperative: Reclaiming Global Leadership Through Soft Power” (Bombardier Books, 2023).
