By Lucy Adautin
The US Senate approved a $95 billion foreign aid bill on Tuesday, authorizing substantial support and weaponry for crucial US allies – Ukraine and Israel, despite resistance from factions within both parties.
The bill, passing with a vote of 79-18, had faced significant hurdles in the GOP-led House before gaining momentum.
President Joe Biden affirmed his intention to sign the bill into law upon receipt, pledging to expedite aid to Ukraine this week. This allocation fulfills his commitment to NATO allies to continue bolstering Ukraine as it enters its third year defending against Russia’s invasion.
The legislative victory marks the first substantial influx of aid from the US Congress to Ukraine in over a year, despite opposition from some Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump’s “America First” foreign policy stance. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) made the decisive move to bring the $61 billion Ukraine aid package to the floor, citing Russia’s perceived threat.
Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) declared on the Senate floor: “Today, the Senate sends a resolute message to the world: America stands unwavering in defense of democracy in times of crisis.”
Nine Republican senators reversed their votes to support the bill on Tuesday after previously opposing an earlier version in February.
Additionally, the legislation allocates $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid for Gaza and other affected regions, amidst calls from some congressional Democrats for conditional aid to Israel.
Only three senators aligned with Democrats opposed the aid package, reflecting ongoing concerns among progressives about civilian casualties in Gaza.
The bill also includes provisions to compel TikTok’s Chinese-owned parent company to divest the social media platform or face a ban, as well as $8 billion for Taiwan, other Indo-Pacific allies, and efforts to counter China. A portion of the $61 billion in Ukraine funds is provided as a loan, with the U.S. president potentially forgiving it starting in 2026.
The allocation to Ukraine arrives at a critical moment in the conflict, as Ukrainian forces, facing ammunition shortages, have begun relinquishing frontline territories to Russia. The Pentagon has long warned that failure to support Ukraine militarily could embolden Russian aggression beyond its borders.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) emphasized the urgency, stating, “Delaying the provision of weapons to Ukraine has jeopardized the prospects of halting Russian aggression.”
The extended period of congressional indecision may have lasting repercussions on America’s global standing and alliances, with experts warning of damage to the perception of U.S. reliability.
“The Senate’s bipartisan action demonstrates a rejection of isolationist ideologies,” McConnell asserted during a celebratory press conference, rebuffing views espoused by figures like Tucker Carlson, whom he derided for recent interviews with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Trump said at a rally that he’d encourage Russia to do “whatever the hell they want” to any NATO member country that is not spending a sufficient amount of money on its own defense in February.
The aid package has been long awaited by the White House, which requested the current version of the funds in October, shortly after Israel came under attack by Hamas in the Oct. 7 assault that left about 1,200 Israelis dead.
