Representative Jim Banks, a Republican from Indiana, emphasized the necessity to address America’s southern border situation before extending further financial aid to Ukraine.
Addressing a recent 2023 State Dinner organized by the Indiana Republican Party, Banks declared, “No more money to secure Ukraine’s border until we secure our own,” a sentiment that garnered widespread applause from attendees.
Banks’ perspective finds resonance not only within his home state but also across the nation.
“The crisis at the border is the number one issue that every group of Republicans who I speak to across the state of Indiana asks about,” the congressman highlighted in an exclusive interview with The Daily Signal.
He added, “Hoosier voters want to know that they’re electing leaders to Congress who are more focused on solving our problems.”
His dedication to addressing the southern border situation has solidified his reputation.
The Indiana GOP recently endorsed Banks as the forerunner for the U.S. Senate seat, an apparent move away from tradition.
With the state GOP even requesting the Republican National Committee to extend financial support for his campaign, Banks is already emerging as a formidable contender.
While he is the leading candidate, others in the GOP primary race include Eric Benson, John Rust, and Anthony Tibby.
The Democratic side features contenders like Marc Carmichael, Valerie Lyn McCray, Keith Potts, Marshall Travis, and Aleem Young.
Banks is not merely positioning border issues over international commitments.
He emphasizes the need for accountability, specifically in the allocation of financial aid.
“At the moment, there is no inspector general” overseeing US aid to Ukraine.
Banks is critical of the lack of scrutiny, pointing out that “There’s no accountability for the flow of money sent to Ukraine.”
He has previously voted against significant financial packages, including a $1.7 trillion package in December with $40 billion set aside for Ukraine. Public sentiment seems to align with his views.
A CNN poll indicated diminishing American support for substantial aid to Ukraine in the wake of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Addressing concerns about his position potentially favoring Russia, Banks clarified his previous support for “lethal aid to Ukraine” during Trump’s tenure, given that there were adequate accountability measures.
He stated, “I’ve been sanctioned by them for my ‘tough on Russia’ record,” emphasizing his support for Trump’s decisive policy shift in aiding Ukraine.
Notably, Banks doesn’t see this as a strictly partisan issue.
He feels that many American voters, irrespective of party lines, are growing increasingly frustrated with the government’s apparent lack of focus on domestic concerns.
“I think voters at large, not just Republican voters but all voters, are recognizing that America is weaker than it’s ever been in our lifetime,” he expressed.
As for the path forward, Banks emphasizes turning to our home.
The solution lies in “solving the energy crisis, solving the border crisis, solving the onset of the drug crisis, solving the economic issues that we have here at home,” while also recognizing threats from international players like China.
Highlighting the need for a refocused GOP, Banks remarked, “We have to be on the side of America first—in restoring and rebuilding America—[and] then we can be the leaders around the globe that America has traditionally been.”
He ended with a firm belief that prioritizing American interests might very well be the most potent strategy for the Republican Party, predicting a substantial victory in 2024.
