The US Senate has approved a $95 billion wartime aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other American allies. The bill faced an uncertain fate in the Republican-controlled House, reflecting divisions within the GOP.
The Senate passed the measure with a vote of 70 to 29, surpassing the 60-vote threshold. Most Democrats and 22 Republicans supported the bill.
The aid package includes US$60 billion for Ukraine, focusing on military support and replenishing US weapons and equipment. Additionally, US$14 billion is allocated for Israel and US military operations in the region. In comparison, over US$8 billion is designated for supporting US partners in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly Taiwan, to deter aggression by China.
President Joe Biden consistently urged Congress to expedite aid to Ukraine, emphasising the urgent need for support as soldiers face ammunition shortages in their battle against Russian forces.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer saw the passage of the aid package as a strong message affirming American leadership’s commitment to allies and its determination in the face of challenges. Schumer pointed out that the aid package sends a clear message to adversaries like Vladimir Putin and President Xi of China.
However, the aid package faces resistance in the Republican-controlled House, with Speaker Mike Johnson issuing a statement rejecting the proposal. Johnson criticised the bill for being silent on the country’s most pressing issue and emphasised the need to secure America’s borders before providing additional foreign aid.
Mike Johnson’s stance is influenced by pressure from Donald Trump and his right-wing supporters, who derailed an earlier version of the aid package. The initial measure included a bipartisan immigration deal linked to foreign aid, addressing illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border. Trump and his allies opposed the agreement, resulting in its failure.
Senator Chris Murphy accused Republicans of initially demanding a link between global aid and border security, only to back away due to Trump’s political considerations. With immigration expected to be a vital issue in the upcoming November elections, the Senate proceeded with a more narrowly focused foreign aid package after Senate Republicans blocked a version that included border security.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, celebrated the bill’s passage, expressing gratitude for continued US assistance in saving lives from Russian aggression.
The Senate’s all-night session saw a group of Republican opponents leading a talking filibuster to delay the passage of the aid package. Senator Rand Paul criticised the Senate’s priorities, characterising the situation as a literal invasion at the border and expressing frustration over the seeming negligence of domestic concerns.
Some left-wing senators opposed the legislation due to objections about billions of dollars allocated for offensive military aid to Israel, especially amid a significant Palestinian death toll in the Gaza conflict. Senator Jeff Merkley and Senator Bernie Sanders expressed their refusal to support sending more bombs and shells to Israel, citing concerns about their indiscriminate use against Palestinian civilians.