The U.S. is rapidly approaching a critical point in its financial support for Ukraine, as funding is set to run out this month if Congress fails to pass President Joe Biden's emergency supplemental spending request. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized the urgent need for congressional action during a press briefing on Monday.

Kirby revealed that the Biden administration intends to announce one final package of military aid to Ukraine in the coming weeks. However, once this allocation is exhausted, the replenishment authority will be depleted, leaving Ukraine without further funds. Congress' prompt response is imperative, as reiterated by Kirby.

The Pentagon currently retains $4.4 billion under presidential drawdown authority, allowing for the direct provision of weapons to Ukraine from defense department inventory. Nevertheless, the quantity and quality of arms that the Department of Defense (DOD) can transfer are contingent on adequate funding to replenish U.S. stockpiles, which is nearly exhausted.

Pentagon Comptroller Mike McCord echoed the urgent plea in a letter to Congress. In it, he stressed the importance of swift action on President Biden's approximately $111 billion supplemental spending request, emphasizing how vital it is to support Ukraine in their fight for freedom. The letter, initially reported by Bloomberg and later obtained by POLITICO, underscores the national interest at stake.

The proposed supplemental budget includes over $60 billion aimed at aiding Ukraine. The package also allocates over $14 billion for Israel and provides funds for Taiwan. However, negotiations on Capitol Hill have stalled as lawmakers grapple with tying the request to a deal on border security.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for senators to return this week instead of going on recess to hasten progress towards an agreement framework. Despite weeks of negotiations, Senator Lindsey Graham, a member of the GOP, expressed concerns about striking a deal before the year's end, jeopardizing any further aid to Ukraine.

The Pentagon has, until recently, possessed $1.1 billion in existing resources to replenish U.S. stocks. However, this remaining funding has been allocated towards the purchase of new weapons from the industry to replace those already sent to Ukraine.

The Biden administration has been appealing to the American public by highlighting the benefits of investing more in Ukraine, particularly emphasizing how it positively impacts U.S. manufacturers and job growth. A graphic circulated on Capitol Hill illustrates the significant financial gains being enjoyed by battleground states like Pennsylvania and Arizona.

Kirby reinforced this message during his briefing, emphasizing that the funding not only supports American jobs but also strengthens production lines and enhances the country's relationship with the defense industry.

Time is of the essence as the imminent exhaustion of funding for Ukraine draws near. The Biden administration has made it clear that support for Ukraine is crucial, both in terms of national security and economic benefits. The ball now rests in Congress' court to act swiftly and pass the emergency supplemental spending request, ensuring that Ukraine can continue its fight for freedom with the necessary resources.