In a rare Saturday session, the House is gearing up to pass $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. allies. This bipartisan effort comes after months of debate over supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
The aid package, consisting of three bills for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies, along with a fourth bill containing various foreign policy proposals, is expected to sail through the Senate and be promptly signed by President Joe Biden.
The House's approval would be a significant step towards fulfilling Biden's funding request made last October when Ukraine faced dwindling military supplies. Initially met with skepticism by the GOP-controlled House, the aid package faced hurdles, including demands for tying assistance to U.S. border policy changes, which were eventually dropped.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who faced internal party dissent, emphasized the importance of projecting a strong America to deter terrorists and tyrants. The aid is seen as crucial support for U.S. allies facing conflicts from Europe to Asia.
World leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have urged Congress to approve the aid, highlighting the global significance of American support.
The aid package also aligns with Biden's foreign policy goal of countering Russian aggression in Europe. Despite some dissent within both parties, the majority is expected to support aid for Ukraine, while progressive Democrats may oppose aid for Israel due to concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza.
Former President Donald Trump's influence on the aid debate, advocating for a more isolationist stance, has added complexity to the discussions. However, the aid package includes measures supported by both parties, such as seizing Russian assets to aid Ukraine and imposing sanctions on various countries and criminal organizations.
The urgency to pass the aid package reflects the dire situation in Ukraine, with reports of Russian forces using advanced weaponry against Ukrainian troops facing shortages. The delayed approval of aid has undoubtedly impacted Ukrainian forces, but the imminent passage of the aid package is seen as a crucial step in averting further disaster.
