Biden, Meloni talk Ukraine, political headwinds [Video]

U.S. President Joe Biden is hosting Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday for talks at the White House as the Democratic leader struggles to persuade House Republicans to pass legislation that would replenish aid to Ukraine and as both men face political headwinds at home.

Biden has sought to assure European leaders that the U.S. remains behind Ukraine even as he’s been unable to win passage of a supplemental foreign aid package that includes US$60 billion for Ukraine in addition to US$35 billion for Israel and Taiwan. The legislation has passed the Senate, but Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to put it up for a vote in the House.

Ahead of Meloni’s visit, White House officials said they don’t have good answers for allies about finding an end to the impasse with House Republicans and reopening the American spigot of aid to Kyiv that’s badly needed as Ukraine tries …