The U.S Senate has passed a $95bn bill approving aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
The bill, which would open the way for desperately needed funding for Ukraine as it fights Russia’s invasion, has been delayed for months by Republican hardliners under the influence of former President Donald Trump.
The Senate voted 70-29, with 22 Republicans voting with nearly all Democrats to pass the package.
Supporters argued that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and threaten national security across the globe.
Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, said, “With this bill, the Senate declares that American leadership will not waiver, will not falter, will not fail.”
He worked closely with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the legislation.
Schumer also lauded Senators who voted in favour of the bill.
“It’s certainly been years, perhaps decades, since the Senate has passed a bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but the security of western democracy,” he asserted.
The $95 billion package includes funding for Israel’s military and key strategic ally Taiwan, but the largest part; $60 billion, would help Ukraine restock depleted ammunition supplies, weapons and other crucial needs as it enters a third year of war.
Dollars provided by the legislation would purchase U.S.-made defense equipment, including munitions and air defense systems that authorities say are desperately needed as Russia batters the country.
It also includes $8 billion for the government in Kyiv and other assistance.
In addition, the legislation would provide $14 billion for Israel’s war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.2 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza.
Two Democrats, Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Peter Welch of Vermont, as well as Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent, voted against it.
The progressive lawmakers objected to sending offensive weaponry to Israel.
“I cannot in good conscience support sending billions of additional taxpayer dollars for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s military campaign in Gaza,” Welch said.
He added, “It’s a campaign that has killed and wounded a shocking number of civilians. It’s created a massive humanitarian crisis.”
The legislation will now head to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where its chances of becoming law are slim.
However, several right-wing Republican lawmakers in the House have already said they will block the bill. They insist that the $60bn tranche allocated to Ukraine should be spent instead on domestic issues such as border security.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has made it clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to President Joe Biden’s desk.
A previous Senate text that encompassed both the border and foreign aid was blocked by members of Johnson’s own party in the upper chamber, after he similarly vowed to kill it in the House over concerns it did not sufficiently address illegal border crossings.
Ukraine Hails Bill Passage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the passage of the legislation.
He expressed gratitude to Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and every U.S Senator “who has supported continued assistance to Ukraine as we fight for freedom, democracy, and the values we all hold dear.”
“For us in Ukraine, continued US assistance helps to save human lives from Russian terror,” he noted.
“It means that life will continue in our cities and will triumph over war,” he added.
“American assistance brings just peace in Ukraine closer and restores global stability, resulting in increased security and prosperity for all Americans and all the free world.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Funding is crucial for Kyiv’s ability to repel Russian attacks and keep its battered economy going as the war nears its third year.
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