Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is aiming to expedite the passage of a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. This move comes approximately six months after President Biden initially requested additional aid in October 2023.
Schumer expressed optimism, stating, 'Now it’s the Senate’s turn, and the finish line is now in sight,' following the House's approval of separate aid bills for the three countries. The package includes provisions such as requiring TikTok to divest from Chinese-owned ByteDance and the REPO Act, which would transfer $5 billion in Russian assets from U.S. banks to Ukraine.
The House passed the measures after more than two months, subsequent to the Senate passing a different version of the foreign aid package. Schumer did not delay in initiating work on the package, aiming for swift Senate approval.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., emphasized the urgency of passing the aid, stating, 'The task before us is urgent. It is once again the Senate’s turn to make history.'
However, there is discontent on both sides of the aisle that could disrupt Schumer's timeline. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, is leading an effort to table the 'amendment tree,' which would allow senators to propose amendments on the chamber floor in regular order.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., supports this effort and plans to introduce amendments, including provisions to halt military aid to Israel and restore funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
If successful, this move could prolong the voting process and necessitate House reconsideration of the bills. The level of support for this effort remains uncertain, with a simple majority of 51 votes required to table the amendment tree.
Despite opposition, a senior GOP Senate source noted that the previous aid package for the three countries passed with 70 votes, indicating potential bipartisan support for the current package.
As Schumer aims for swift passage, the Senate faces challenges in navigating potential amendments and ensuring timely approval of the aid package.
