Schumer, Jeffries say Ukraine discussion was ‘intense’

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) both characterized a Tuesday meeting between President Biden and congressional leaders as “intense” amid tension over Ukraine aid.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Schumer called the meeting on Ukraine “one of the most intense” he’s experienced in the Oval Office.

Asked what made him characterize the meeting that way, Schumer said it was “the urgency of supporting Ukraine and the consequences to the people of America, to America’s strength if we don’t do anything and don’t do anything soon.”

Jeffries said the talks were “intense” and “honest,” and that “ultimately it was a productive meeting.”

The two top Democratic lawmakers joined House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to discuss, among other issues, government funding ahead of a looming government shutdown, as well as aid for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.

Lawmakers are working to reach a deal on military aid as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its third year.

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The Senate recently passed a bipartisan national security funding package that included billions for Ukraine but the House, under Johnson’s leadership, has refused to take the package up for a vote.

“I was strengthened … by the strength of [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky and the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian soldiers, but shaken that here they are fighting without arms against a brutal dictator who will just do anything to kill them,” Schumer said after the White House meeting.

“And the intensity in that room was surprising to me,” Schumer added.

Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Schumer said the meeting on Ukraine “was intense because everyone in that room was telling Speaker Johnson how vital it is.” He said he re-upped Zelensky’s warning that “if they don’t get aid quickly, that Ukraine could fall.”

Schumer noted, though, that those in the room were “respectful” despite the intensity.