Senate Democrats and Republicans united on Tuesday morning to approve a $95 billion national security package, encompassing crucial aid for three significant U.S. allies: Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
The final vote count stood at 70-29, with twenty-two Senate Republicans supporting the measure alongside 46 Democrats and two independents affiliated with Democrats. Conversely, twenty-six Republicans, along with two Democrats – Peter Welch of Vermont and Jeff Merkley of Oregon – opposed it. Notably, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent aligned with Democrats, also voted against the bill.
Following the vote, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., commended the bill’s passage in remarks on the Senate floor, emphasizing the importance of American leadership in safeguarding freedom, democratic principles, and future prosperity.
Schumer expressed his intention to engage directly with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., urging him to uphold the bill’s objectives.
Senate Approves Aid Package for Ukraine and Israel, but Prospects in House Remain Uncertain (Credits: The Media Line)
Schumer underscored the message of unwavering American leadership, asserting that the Senate’s action would make Russian President Vladimir Putin regret his challenge to America’s resolve and reaffirm solidarity with NATO allies.
In response, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., highlighted the necessity of reinforcing allies and partners to counter adversaries seeking to undermine American credibility. He emphasized the Senate’s commitment to fortifying the military, restoring credibility, and equipping current and future commanders-in-chief with the necessary tools to safeguard national interests.
The passage of the foreign aid bill represents a significant milestone following months of deliberation, primarily centered on addressing border security concerns. Despite initial Republican insistence on incorporating border security measures into aid authorization for Ukraine, a bipartisan package addressing both issues failed to materialize.
The fate of the emergency aid bill now hinges on the GOP-controlled House, where conservatives are advocating for border security measures before allocating funds to Ukraine. House Speaker Johnson’s reluctance to bring the Senate package to the floor underscores the contentious nature of the debate surrounding border security priorities.
In a poignant address, Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan., countered arguments prioritizing domestic interests over foreign aid, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global and national security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the Senate’s support, recognizing the aid’s significance in countering Russian aggression and restoring stability.
The Senate-approved package allocates $95.34 billion in aid, with substantial portions designated for Ukraine’s defense, security assistance for Israel, humanitarian relief in conflict zones, and support for allies in the Indo-Pacific region to deter Chinese aggression.
Efforts to incorporate stricter asylum and border security provisions into the aid package faltered amid objections from former President Donald Trump and House GOP leaders. Consequently, Senate Republicans abandoned the combined border and foreign aid package in favor of standalone legislation.
Disagreements persisted within the Senate over prioritizing border security, with Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., advocating for addressing domestic challenges before aiding foreign allies. McConnell, however, rebuked such sentiments, emphasizing America’s global obligations and dismissing isolationist rhetoric.
Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., stressed the repercussions of failing to pass foreign aid, warning against sending a negative message to allies. Tillis suggested bypassing House leadership through a discharge petition if the package stalls, emphasizing the historical significance of the current moment in American diplomacy.
