US Senate approves $95 billion aid package for Ukraine
The United States Senate has approved a $95 billion aid package intended for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bill was passed late Tuesday night with a 79-18 vote by the Democratic-majority Senate. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law on Wednesday. This approval comes after months of delay due to opposition from conservative Republicans and is part of a larger legislative package.
Biden has expressed readiness to sign the aid bill
President Biden has expressed his readiness to sign the aid bill, stating, "I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week." A significant portion of the aid package is earmarked for Ukraine, which is currently grappling with Russian forces along its 1,000km front line due to dwindling weapons supplies.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy expresses gratitude for the aid package
The aid package is divided as follows: $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and over $8 billion in military support for Taiwan. It also includes humanitarian assistance for Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude on social media stating that Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defense are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner. He emphasized America's role as a "beacon of democracy and leader of the free world."
Republicans demanded concessions over US Southern Border Policy
The decision to provide additional funding for Ukraine followed months of heated debate among lawmakers. Some Republicans associated with former President Donald Trump demanded concessions over US southern border policy in exchange for their support. A similar package passed the Senate in February but was stalled in the House of Representatives until Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump loyalist, proposed repackaging the measure into four bills.
House approved the package on April 20
The newly approved package empowers President Biden to seize and sell Russian assets and redirect the proceeds to Kyiv for reconstruction. The House gave its approval to the package on April 20, with a vote of 311-112. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer commented after the vote, "This national security bill is one of the most important measures Congress has passed in a very long time to protect American security and the security of Western democracy."
Aid package also includes provision to ban TikTok
The aid package also includes a provision to ban the popular video-sharing app TikTok unless it separates from its Chinese parent company. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican and vocal advocate for assistance to Ukraine, expressed disappointment about the delay, stating, "I think we've turned the corner on the isolationist movement."
