US Senate stages crucial vote on Ukraine aid, Biden promises to sign
The U.S. Senate has approved foreign aid packages for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, which are now heading for a final vote. The House of Representatives recently ended a deadlock and passed the assistance.
The Senate voted 72 to 13 to advance the bills, surpassing the required threshold. The package includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8.12 billion to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region. It also includes measures such as a potential TikTok ban, sanctions on Iran, and the transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine.
President Joe Biden has pledged to sign the package into law once it passes the Senate.
The administration is already preparing a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which will be the first to be funded. This aid will be delivered within days to support Ukrainian troops fighting against Russian forces.
Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged quick passage of the bill, emphasizing the importance of supporting foreign allies. Republican leader Mitch McConnell warned against isolationism and stated that failing to support allies would embolden rivals like China and Russia.
The aid package may be the last one approved for Ukraine until after the November elections.
The impact of the aid for Israel on the Gaza conflict is unclear. Israel already receives significant security assistance from the U.S. The package includes humanitarian aid aimed at helping Palestinians in Gaza.
The House passed the bill for Israel with strong support, but some Republicans and Democrats opposed it for different reasons.
President Biden assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of new security assistance as soon as the spending bills become law.
The progress of this legislation is closely monitored as U.S. defense companies are expected to secure major contracts. Proponents argue that approving the Ukraine bill will create jobs in the U.S.
The funding for Ukraine includes $8 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority, allowing Biden to send equipment from U.S. stocks.
The House passed the Ukraine funding with 311-112 votes, with opposition coming from Republicans. Speaker Mike Johnson faced calls for removal but remained in his position.
