Progressive Democrats have withdrawn a letter they sent to President Joe Biden urging for the administration to reemphasize diplomacy in the war in Ukraine.
A group of 30 House liberals signed the letter, which was dated on Monday, praising the administration’s continued support for Ukraine’s self-defense but arguing that it must be combined with “vigorous diplomatic efforts in support of a negotiated settlement and ceasefire” through “direct talks with Russia,” to include measures that protect a “free and independent” Ukraine.
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The letter spurred backlash from members of both parties, which pushed Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), the chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the lead on the letter, to withdraw the letter after issuing a clarifying remark.
“The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting. As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this,” she said in a statement announcing the withdrawal of the letter. “Because of the timing, our message is being conflated by some as being equivalent to the recent statement by Republican Leader McCarthy threatening an end to aid to Ukraine if Republicans take over. The proximity of these statements created the unfortunate appearance that Democrats, who have strongly and unanimously supported and voted for every package of military, strategic, and economic assistance to the Ukrainian people, are somehow aligned with Republicans who seek to pull the plug on American support for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian forces.”
Hours earlier, but after the statement was released, Jayapal said in a statement, “Let me be clear: we are united as Democrats in our unequivocal commitment to supporting Ukraine in their fight for their democracy and freedom in the face of the illegal and outrageous Russian invasion, and nothing in the letter advocates for a change in that support. … Diplomacy is an important tool that can save lives — but it is just one tool. As we also made explicitly clear in our letter and will continue to make clear, we support President Biden and his administration’s commitment to nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Other Democratic members who signed the letter distanced themselves from it, with some revealing the letter had been signed over the summer and saying the war has changed.
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), a former Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chairman and one of the 30 members who signed the letter, responded to criticism on social media, saying, “First, this was written in July & I have no idea why it went out now. Bad timing. Second, it was trying to get to a cease-fire & diplomacy as others were banging war drums, not criticizing Biden. Third, I’ve supported the efforts & will continue. Over analyzed by some.”
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) said she signed it on June 30 but “wouldn’t sign it today,” adding, “We have to continue supporting Ukraine economically and militarily to give them the leverage they need to end this war.”
The timing of the letter comes about a week after House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said that if his party takes control of Congress, there would be no more “blank checks” to Ukraine. He was surprised the comment gained headlines and said in a subsequent interview, “Wouldn’t you want a check and balance in Congress? Wouldn’t you want these hardworking taxpayers’ money, someone overseeing it? We’ve got to eliminate wasteful spending in Washington.”
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Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH), who sits on the House Intelligence and Armed Services committees, said in a call with reporters earlier this week that the Republicans don’t want end aid to Ukraine totally.
“No one in Republican leadership has called for an end to aid for Ukraine,” said Turner. “People on the Republican side are saying, ‘Why do we have to pass a $40 billion package to send $8 billion to Ukraine?’”
