Harris to give ‘major foreign policy speech’ at Munich Security Conference next week

Vice President Harris will travel to Munich, Germany, for the annual conference on international security issues, as the White House's push for aid for Ukraine and Israel stalls in Congress.

For the third consecutive year, Harris will attend the Munich Security Conference, which will be held from February 15 to 17, her office announced. During her visit, she will deliver “major foreign policy speeches” and meet with foreign leaders to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East.

“Through this engagement, the vice president will emphasize the importance of maintaining American leadership, strengthening alliances and partnerships, and upholding international rules and norms,” ​​Kirsten Allen, Harris' communications director, said in a statement. said.

The vice president's trip comes as the Biden administration is balancing support for allies in two separate conflicts, but has received little support from Congress.

The White House has been urging lawmakers for months to pass additional funding for Russia's war against Ukraine. The administration announced its last round of security assistance in December, but officials have said they cannot provide more without action from Congress.

The White House included in its request for assistance to Ukraine a request for additional funds to assist Israel in its war against Hamas.

The Senate voted Thursday to bring forward a $95 billion emergency security spending bill that would fund Ukraine, Israel, Indo-Pacific security and humanitarian assistance to civilians around the world.

The Senate still needs at least five more votes to pass funding aid for Ukraine and Israel and send it to the House, facing a tough road with Republicans skeptical of approving more aid to Ukraine. . House Republicans failed to pass an Israel-only funding bill earlier this week.