The US Senate approved a new $95 billion aid package to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
The bill was passed with 79 votes in favor and 18 against in the US Senate.
Over $60 billion of this package is allocated to Ukraine, $26 billion to Israel, and over $8 billion for Taiwan.
Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority leader, said: "Mr. President, today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world, America will always defend democracy in its hour of need. We tell our allies, we will stand with you. We tell our adversaries don't mess with us. We tell the world, we will do everything we can to defend democracy and our way of life. In a resounding bipartisan vote, the relentless work of six long months has paid off. Congress is sending the supplemental to President Biden's desk. Getting this done was one of the greatest achievements the Senate has faced in years, perhaps decades. A lot of people inside and outside the Congress wanted this package to fail. But today those in Congress who stand on the side of democracy are winning the day."
Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority leader, said: "When Putin escalated his war against Ukraine, I told our colleagues that allies and adversaries alike would pay very close attention to America's response. When Iran-backed terrorists invaded the Jewish state on October 7th to slaughter innocent Israelis I warned that the world would watch closely for signs that American leadership was actually weakening. For months our friends have watched to see whether America still had the strength that won the Cold War, or the resolve that has underpinned peace and prosperity, literally for decades. Our enemies have tested whether the arsenal of democracy is in fact built to endure. Well tonight, the Senate will send a clear message."
The passage of this bill has faced strong opposition from Republicans.
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville said: "What we are doing is a slap in the face to the Americans who sent us here to represent them. Instead of debating legislation to close the border and fix the economy, we are about to send billions of dollars to one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The war in Ukraine is a stalemate, has been for a while. Pouring more money into Ukraine coffers will only prolong the conflict and lead to more loss of life."
President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill today.
Comment this post