This year was a big year for foreign policy on the Hill, and our Canvass respondents were on top of the major developments.
The war in Ukraine continued with congressional Republicans divided on how to approach it. Democrats fought among themselves about the Israel-Hamas war as the conflict spread to nearby regions. All this while, conflicts continued in other parts of the world.
In April, Congress passed a major foreign aid package containing aid for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. Wide majorities of both K Street and Capitol Hill Canvass respondents predicted these outcomes.
Among top Hill staffers, 88% thought Israel aid would pass, 84% thought Ukraine aid would pass and 75% thought Taiwan aid would pass.
Among top lobbyists, 81% thought Israel aid would pass, 68% thought Ukraine aid would pass and 61% thought Taiwan aid would pass.
Israel: Israel’s war in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the simmering conflict with Iran, has dominated the headlines and occupied President Joe Biden’s foreign policy agenda.
More than two-thirds of top Capitol Hill staffers believe that President-elect Donald Trump’s administration will have more influence over Israel’s military actions than Biden did.
Ukraine: Trump has been insistent he wants a quick conclusion to the conflict in Ukraine. The embattled nation has been fighting back the Russian invasion for more than two years.
Just earlier in December — well before Inauguration Day — Trump called for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Still, 68% of Capitol Hill Canvass respondents contend that Trump’s victory will harm Ukraine’s efforts to win the war against Russia.
That finding aligns with Trump’s suggestion he would reduce military aid to Ukraine and the overall reluctance among Republicans to continue supporting that country’s war efforts.
