President Joe Biden name-drops Arizona as he asks for military aid for Israel, Ukraine

As President Joe Biden urged Americans on Thursday night to support his request for $74 billion in aid to Ukraine and Israel, he reminded listeners that the military hardware shipped abroad is replaced with new equipment built in places like Arizona.

It was a reference to the Patriot missiles built by Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson’s leading private-sector employer.

Biden made the point near the end of his 15-minute remarks from the Oval Office, and it came as he discussed Ukraine’s war with Russia, not Israel’s battle with Hamas in Palestinian-held territory in Gaza.

“Let me be clear about something,” Biden said. “We send Ukraine equipment sitting in our stockpiles, and when we use the money allocated by Congress, we use it to replenish our own stores, our own stockpiles, with new equipment — equipment that defends America and is made in America," Biden said.

“Patriot missiles for air defense batteries made in Arizona. Artillery shells manufactured in 12 states across the country, in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas. And so much more. You know, just as in World War II, today patriotic American workers are building the Arsenal of Democracy and serving the cause of freedom.”

Biden reportedly plans to ask Congress for $14 billion in aid to Israel and $60 billion in aid to Ukraine. Congressional Republicans, including those in Arizona, have been skeptical about further funding for the war in Ukraine.

Among those skeptics is Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., who said in a written statement to The Arizona Republic that he would vote no on funding for Israel if it were combined with military aid to Ukraine.

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“I will vote for necessary funding to assist Israel in its time of need but if it is combined with billions more for Ukraine I will be a no,” Gosar wrote. “I have not supported this Ukraine proxy war and I will not start now just because it’s wrapped in an Israeli flag.”

Gosar repeatedly referred to the Ukrainian government as “Nazis,” apparently referencing a claim about Ukraine’s politics that scholars of Nazism and genocide have called “factually wrong” and “morally repugnant.”

A spokesperson for Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., another critic of aid to Ukraine, likewise wrote to The Republic that "Congressman Biggs believes that the funding should not be tied together."

In his speech, Biden appeared to rebut conservative voices such as Gosar's who argue that U.S. aid to Ukraine is unnecessary for national security, or a drag on the U.S. economy. As he has before, Biden said the fighting in Ukraine can prevent a wider war with Russia in NATO countries, and reminded his listeners that Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at further aggression with Poland, a NATO ally that the U.S. has pledged to defend militarily if attacked.

In Israel, American aid can help “sharpen Israel’s military edge,” he said.

Most of Arizona's congressional delegation appears likely to support Biden's request. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., and Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., both intend to support the package, their offices said.

A spokesperson for Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., declined to preview Sinema's vote but noted that she publicly urged Biden to transfer defensive equipment and munitions to Israel as the country weighs a ground invasion of Gaza. So did Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., who traveled to Israel over the weekend in a display of support.

“Over the past few weeks Senator Kelly has been to the southern border, Ukraine, and Israel, and has worked with his colleagues and the president on what is needed in this package to tackle these challenges," Kelly's office told The Republic. "He’ll evaluate it closely and continue working to secure the border and protect our national security.”

Earlier in the day, the Senate passed a resolution declaring its support for Israel 97-0. Kelly and Sinema both voted in support.

“Make no mistake: we are proudly, firmly standing with our strongest ally in the face of horrific terrorism,” Sinema said in a statement on social media after the vote.

Spokespeople for Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., both said that they will be "reviewing" the aid package once it is sent to Congress. Ciscomani's office declined to say what conditions he would need to vote yes, but signaled support in a statement.

"I'm glad to see the President reaffirm U.S. support for Israel and recognize the impactful role the Arizona manufacturing plays in our national defense strategies," he wrote. "We must reiterate the need for American leadership and continue to stand by our allies."

Gallego likewise "looks forward to reviewing the package," a spokesperson wrote.

Press contacts for the remaining members of Arizona’s delegation did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: President Joe Biden name-drops Arizona in speech on Ukraine and Israel