After fierce backlash from Democrats, Rep. Pramila Jayapal said the letter had been drafted months ago and was “released by staff without vetting.”
urging the administration to consider a “proactive diplomatic push, redoubling efforts to seek a realistic framework for a ceasefire” in Ukraine.
In the plea to Biden, the caucus wrote, “We agree with the Administration’s perspective that it is not America’s place to pressure Ukraine’s government regarding sovereign decisions, and with the principle you have enunciated that there should be ‘nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,’” the letter said. “But as legislators responsible for the expenditure of tens of billions of U.S.
“The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting,” Japayal said. “As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this. 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.”