Senate Advances $95.3 Billion Foreign Aid Bill with Assistance for Ukraine and Israel
The Senate took a significant step forward on Sunday towards passing a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill that includes assistance for Ukraine and Israel. Despite the progress, it may still be a few more days until a final vote as GOP Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky continues to slow down the process. The bill has already cleared a critical 60-vote threshold to advance, and the Senate has been working through the weekend on it.
However, without an agreement from all 100 senators to expedite the process, the Senate is expected to continue working on Sunday afternoon with a final vote scheduled for sometime in the following week. The bill will then move to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson’s stance on holding a vote remains uncertain due to opposition from many House Republicans regarding further aid to Ukraine.
The timing of the vote on Sunday could potentially coincide with the lead-up to the Super Bowl. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has made preparations by setting up a room off the Senate floor with tables and TVs in case the Senate is in session when the Chiefs and 49ers kick off in Las Vegas on Sunday evening. Schumer emphasized that the Senate will continue working on the bill until it is successfully passed.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut expressed optimism that the bill, which includes funding for Ukraine, will be passed by early to midweek. This positive outlook indicates a growing consensus among senators regarding the urgency of providing aid to Ukraine.
The foreign aid bill’s progression comes after Republicans blocked a broader bill that would have combined foreign aid with a bipartisan border deal. Initially, Republicans insisted on including border security in the bill but ultimately rejected the bipartisan deal due to forceful opposition from former President Donald Trump and top House Republicans.
Former President Trump further expressed his position on Saturday, stating that the US should cease providing foreign aid unless it is structured as a loan. This adds to the political pressure on Republicans to kill the legislation.
Before the final vote on the foreign aid package, additional procedural votes are expected, including one on Sunday. Senator Paul, however, continues to hold out and has indicated that he will do so until “hell freezes over.” He plans to address issues such as national debt while holding the floor. Despite his resistance, Paul acknowledged that he is not there for personal enjoyment but rather to draw attention to the dangers of increasing debt.
The Senate Republicans are currently divided over the foreign aid package, with some advocating for amendments to make changes to the bill, particularly related to immigration and border policies. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed hope that Democrats can reach an agreement with Republicans on amendments, although it remains uncertain whether a deal will be struck.
The foreign aid package itself includes substantial funding to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. It also provides security assistance for Israel and humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Ukraine. Additionally, the bill allocates funds to support regional partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Advocates are urging lawmakers to approve an amendment that would grant Afghan evacuees from the US’ withdrawal from Afghanistan a path to permanent legal residency. The amendment, introduced by Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, aims to provide certainty to Afghan allies as they rebuild their lives in the United States after undergoing thorough vetting. However, Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas is currently withholding approval of the amendment due to desired changes. It is also unlikely that senators will reach a bipartisan agreement for voting on any amendments.
As developments continue to unfold, it is evident that passing this foreign aid bill is crucial for providing support to Ukraine and Israel while addressing other humanitarian concerns. The Senate’s dedication to advancing this legislation underscores the importance of prioritizing international assistance in times of crisis.
