Topline
The Senate passed the $95 billion foreign aid package funding Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan in a bipartisan vote and sent the legislation to President Joe Biden’s desk on Tuesday, ending a prolonged delay in securing military assistance for Kyiv—which faced strong opposition from several top House Republicans.
Key Facts
The bill passed with an overwhelming bipartisan 79-18 vote after it was cleared by the House on Saturday.
While 15 Republicans ended up voting against the bill, nine who previously opposed the aid package flipped their vote to a yes.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on X the legislation was “one of the most consequential measures Congress has passed in years to protect America’s security and the future of Democracy.”
In a follow up post, Schumer added: “Tonight, we make Vladimir Putin regret the day he questioned America’s resolve.”
Reacting to the bill’s passage, Biden said he would sign the bill into law “as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow” and the U.S. will begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week.
The president hailed the legislation, saying it will “make our nation and world more secure as we support our friends who are defending themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin.”
Crucial Quote
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Biden, Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for the passage of the bill and said: “This vote reinforces America’s role as a beacon of democracy and the leader of the free world…Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defense are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner.”
Chief Critic
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who voted against the measure, issued a statement saying: “I voted no tonight on the foreign aid package for one simple reason: U.S. taxpayers should not be providing billions more to the extremist Netanyahu government to continue its devastating war against the Palestinian people.” Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) were the two other progressive lawmakers who voted against the passage of the bill.
Key Background
The $95 billion package includes around $61 billion in support for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and $8 billion for U.S. partners in the Indo-Pacific—including Taiwan. Around $9 billion of the Ukraine aid has been structured as a “forgivable loan”—in line with a suggestion previously made by former President Donald Trump. The bill also includes provisions to allow the seizure of frozen Russian central bank assets to help rebuild Ukraine along with sanctions against Iranian and Russian officials.
Further Reading
Democrats Save Mike Johnson’s Foreign Aid Package—Overcoming Right-Wing Revolt (Forbes)
The House passes billions in aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle (Associated Press)
