Jayapal reverses course on Ukraine letter sent to White House

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and 29 other House Democrats sent a letter to President Biden Monday, asking him to change his strategy surrounding the war in Ukraine. On Tuesday, they took it back.

The letter stated that the House members favored direct negotiations with Russia, as that region heads into the cold winter months. They also wanted a "proactive diplomatic push" for a cease-fire, adding that the United States is not in regular talks with Russia.

Jayapal led the effort behind the letter.

President Biden has said in the past that he will leave it up to Kyiv to decide whether it wants to negotiate with Russia.

Following Monday's letter, some Democrats pushed back against their colleagues, calling on them to state that they still support the president and Ukraine, The Washington Post reports. The letter also comes shortly after Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy said that if Republicans gain control of the House in the midterms, they aren't going to write a blank check for Ukraine.

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On Tuesday, the Democratic lawmakers said they wanted to reverse course and take the letter back. In a statement, Japayal said that the letter was drafted months ago and was released without "vetting." Jayapal said the message was being conflated with GOP stances on the war. She accepted full responsibility for it.