Despite opposition from former US President Donald Trump, the US Senate is making progress in passing a $95.34 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. This demonstrates a display of bipartisanship, as even Republican hardliners are backing the bill. On Sunday, the Democratic-led Senate voted 67-27 to clear a procedural hurdle, bringing the aid package one step closer to passage.
Former President Trump voiced his criticism of the bill on social media, suggesting that foreign aid should be in the form of a loan rather than a grant. However, 18 Republicans defied Trump’s stance and supported the legislation. Democratic President Joe Biden, who has been advocating for this aid for months, urged Congress to pass the bill and emphasized that failure to do so would be a neglect of their responsibilities.
The aid package includes significant allocations for various countries and regions. Ukraine would receive $61 billion, which is crucial for the nation as it approaches the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Israel, amidst its conflict with Hamas, would be granted $14 billion. Additionally, $4.83 billion would be allocated to support partners in the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan, with the aim of deterring aggression from China. The bill also includes $9.15 billion in humanitarian assistance for conflict zones such as Gaza, the West Bank, and Ukraine.
Passing the bill in the Senate would pave the way for it to be considered by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. However, its fate in the House remains uncertain. A bipartisan delegation of House lawmakers visiting Kyiv pledged their commitment to ensuring the bill’s passage. Senate Republicans believe that bipartisan support in the Senate would help garner broader support among Republicans in the House.
While there is some support for the aid package, there are also opposing viewpoints within the Republican party. Some Republicans are seeking amendments that address the increase in migration at the US-Mexico border and limit humanitarian assistance provisions by focusing solely on providing weapons and materiel. These disagreements could potentially delay the consideration of the bill by forcing the Senate to adhere to time-consuming parliamentary rules.
For Ukraine, this aid is seen as crucial in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to American partners who recognize the importance of supporting Ukraine. He emphasized that strength is necessary to deter Russian aggression, stating that “Putin sobers up only when he sees strength in front of him.” Zelenskyy’s statement highlights the significance of international support in countering Russian influence and protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
As the bill progresses through the Senate, its fate in the House remains uncertain. However, the bipartisan support it has garnered thus far provides hope that it will ultimately pass and provide much-needed aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The outcome of this legislation will have significant implications for the geopolitical landscape and the ongoing conflicts in these regions.
