The Senate is making progress towards passing a $95 billion foreign aid bill that includes funding for Israel and Ukraine, despite opposition from former President Donald Trump. The bill received support from 18 Republicans, and lawmakers are optimistic about its passage. Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who sits on the Armed Services Committee, states that providing aid in the form of a loan would be a mistake and mentions the importance of supporting Ukraine to ensure national security and prevent a wider conflict.
Senator Kelly also highlights the issue of border security and expresses disappointment that Senate Republicans walked away from the problem rather than finding a solution. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing the crisis at the border and the need for better policies and resources to control immigration.
Regarding the aid bill, Senator Kelly believes that due to the current bipartisan support, it is likely to pass the Senate, although challenges may arise during the Senate process. However, he acknowledges that the bill may face a more difficult path in the House of Representatives.
The conversation then shifts to recent events in Israel, where a hostage rescue operation took place. Two Israeli hostages were successfully rescued, but over 100 Palestinians were killed during accompanying airstrikes. Senator Kelly, who has yet to receive a briefing on the details of the operation, expresses concern and highlights the tragic loss of civilian lives. He mentions the need for Israel to use more guided munitions in densely populated areas and states that Israel has the right to defend itself as our ally.
The White House has warned against a large offensive in Rafah, a heavily populated area with over a million Palestinians seeking refuge. Senator Kelly stresses the importance of being cautious during urban conflict and urges Israel to take measures to protect innocent lives. He mentions ongoing efforts to address this issue and asserts that Israel must do a better job to limit civilian casualties.
Regarding future actions, Senator Kelly does not believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu's stated deadline for the IDF-RAFA operation necessarily eliminates the possibility of a pause in the fighting to pursue a hostage deal. He emphasizes the urgency of bringing the hostages home and eliminating the threat posed by Hamas.
In conclusion, Senator Mark Kelly discusses the progress and challenges in passing the foreign aid bill, highlights the importance of border security, expresses concern about civilian casualties in recent events in Israel, and emphasizes the need to prioritize hostage rescue and the elimination of threats.
