The Senate overwhelmingly voted on Tuesday to move forward with a $95 billion war aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. This decision comes after months of delays and internal debates over the extent of U.S. involvement in global affairs.
The vote to end a filibuster received support from 80 senators, indicating strong bipartisan backing for the bill. The $61 billion allocated for Ukraine is particularly crucial as the country faces increased attacks from Russian forces, with Ukrainian soldiers struggling to maintain control on the battlefield.
President Biden has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of sending air defense weaponry once the legislation is passed. The House approved the package over the weekend, paving the way for final Senate approval.
The aid package also includes $26 billion for Israel, humanitarian relief for Gaza residents, and $8 billion to counter Chinese influence in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region. To garner more support, Republicans added a provision to potentially ban TikTok in the U.S. if its Chinese owners fail to divest within a year.
The bill, similar to the one passed in February, includes minor changes such as $9 billion in forgivable loans for Ukraine. These adjustments helped secure additional Republican backing, with a majority of the Senate GOP now in favor of the legislation.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the significance of the vote, stating that the aid has been in the making for six months and urging swift action to support global allies.
The aid package has faced opposition from some conservatives who question U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, advocating for a focus on domestic issues like border security. This divide within the GOP highlights differing views on international aid and national security priorities.
Despite the challenges, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Mike Johnson have championed the aid to Ukraine, underscoring the importance of countering threats posed by adversaries like Russia and China.
The revised package also includes measures to seize Russian assets, impose sanctions on Iran and criminal organizations, and address the TikTok ownership issue. While some senators have expressed concerns about aid to Israel, the bill has garnered broad bipartisan support in both chambers.
The Senate now faces a critical test in advancing the aid package, with leaders emphasizing the need to prioritize national security interests and support allies in times of crisis.
