Democrats want to boost Biden Ukraine aid plan to near $40B

By ALAN FRAM
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional Democrats are preparing a plan that would boost President Joe Biden’s requested $33 billion Ukraine aid package to nearly $40 billion. A House vote is possible as soon as Tuesday. The planning was described by two people familiar with lawmakers’ thinking who were not authorized to describe it publicly. Biden has conceded that the package should not contain any of the additional billions he’s requested to combat COVID-19. Democrats say a push for a separate pandemic measure will come later. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in its 11th week and showing signs of becoming a grinding, long-term war.