The Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul, and Senator Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have both blocked the $40 million requested by the US State Department, warning the administration that it needs "much more detail" before obtaining further funds, according to a Reuters dispatch on Friday, March 15, 2024. The $40 million would cover the essential costs of the Multinational Security Support Mission, with leadership to be provided by Kenya. "Given the long history of US engagement in Haiti, with few positive outcomes, the administration owes Congress much more detail and in a more timely manner before obtaining additional funding," Risch and McCaul said in a joint statement. Lawmakers stated that President Joe Biden's administration had only sent them a "rough plan" to address the crisis. They questioned whether Kenyan courts would authorize the deployment and whether the force could reach Port-au-Prince. The State Department is in discussions with Congress about approving these funds, said a senior State Department official, as cited by Reuters. "We believe this is a crucial element for deployment," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The United States is the main funder of the force, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced during discussions held on Monday in Jamaica that the United States was increasing its commitment to $300 million. Meanwhile, Haiti continues to slide into violence.