Democrats and a coalition of Republicans collaborated to pass a $95 billion bill, which encompasses aid for Ukraine and Israel as well as support for civilians in conflict zones. However, the Speaker of the House has issued a threat to disregard the bill.
In the early hours of Tuesday, the Senate achieved a crucial bipartisan endorsement by passing a much-anticipated foreign aid package dedicated to Ukraine and Israel. This legislative victory comes after extensive months of negotiations, dire warnings from the battlefield, and a backdrop of political disputes.
Despite the Senate’s approval, the bill encountered formidable opposition in the House, with Republicans expressing resistance that could jeopardize its passage. The Senate’s vote of 70 to 29 underscores a significant level of congressional support for the $95 billion emergency aid legislation.
Senate Approves Aid to Ukraine (Credits: CNN)
The funding is not only intended to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression but also to allocate an additional $60.1 billion to Kyiv, bringing the total U.S. investment in the war effort to over $170 billion.
Additionally, the bill includes $14.1 billion for Israel’s conflict with Hamas and almost $10 billion for humanitarian aid in conflict zones, including assistance for Palestinians in Gaza.
Despite the bipartisan momentum in the Senate, the Republican divide signals potential challenges in the House, which is under G.O.P. leadership.
Late on Monday, the Speaker of the House hinted at a refusal to take action on the bill. Twenty-two Senate Republicans sided with almost all Democrats in supporting the bill, surpassing the number that assisted in overcoming a final procedural hurdle on Monday night.
However, the remainder of the Republican Party argued against the ongoing financial support for a foreign nation’s battle without addressing concerns about increased migration into the United States across the Mexican border.
