Republicans and Democrats put aside their differences in the US Senate to overwhelmingly support a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The bill passed the Senate with a supermajority of 79-18 clearing the decks for more weapons to be sent to Ukraine that is struggling to hold its frontlines with Russia.
The House of Representatives had passed the package on April 20. As the US Senate cleared the bill that has been in the works for months, Majority Senate leader Chuck Schumer said, “We are showing Putin that betting against America is always a grave mistake.”
Speaking in the Senate, Majority leader Chuck Schumer said, “Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world, America will always defend democracy in its hour of need. We tell our allies, we will stand with you. We tell our adversaries ‘don’t mess with us’. We tell the world, we will do everything we can to defend democracy and our way of life. In a resounding bipartisan vote, the relentless work of six long months has paid off.”
President Biden said he will sign the bill as soon as it reaches his desk. He stated that the bill strengthens America’s national security and sends a message to the world about the power of American leadership.
Biden has said the US will start sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has said he is grateful to the US for showing bipartisan support to see this bill through.
So what’s in this aid package?
$26 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones around the world, including Sudan, Haiti and Gaza.
$8.12 billion to “counter communist China” in the Indo-Pacific.
The biggest chuck – $61 billion is for Ukraine, that’s in dire need of funding
Some of the Ukraine money – $10 billion in economic support – comes in the form of a loan, which Donald Trump had suggested.
Senator, South Dakota Senator John Thune said, “Bad actors will fill any space they think they can fill. And when the United States and other free countries abdicate leadership on the global stage, bad actors will step in to fill the vacuum. The foreign aid contained in this bill, is an important part of telegraphing America’s refusal to cede the global stage to hostile powers.”
Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican Leader, who has been a long supporter of aid for Ukraine, expressed regret that the bill took so long. “For months our friends have watched to see whether America still had the strength that won the Cold War, or the resolve that has underpinned peace and prosperity, literally for decades. Our enemies have tested whether the arsenal of democracy is in fact built to endure. Well tonight, the Senate will send a clear message,” he said.
Then there were those like Republican leader Lindsey Graham, who wanted the bill to be linked to measures to stop illegal immigration at US borders, but ultimately changed their mind. In a post on X, he said, “Tonight is not only a great night for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, but for America. This package allows sovereign Russian assets to be seized and turns a portion of the aid into a loan, easing the burden on taxpayers and giving us leverage in the future.”
This is likely to be the last aid package for Ukraine before the US votes in November to elect the next President
(With Inputs From Reuters)
