The US Senate early Tuesday approved a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, an achievement that took months of complex negotiations and political divisions in the Republican Party over current US foreign policy.
The vote came after a small group of Republicans who opposed sending $60 billion to Ukraine addressed the floor overnight to make their arguments that the country should take care of its problems before sending money to Ukraine. other countries.
In turn, 22 other Republicans voted with Democrats to approve the plan by 70 votes in favor to 29. Supporters of the measure said abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and threaten security. national throughout the planet.
“With this bill, the Senate declares that American leadership will not falter, will not falter, will not fail,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked closely with Republican leader Mitch McConnell on the final text.
The approval of the package in the Senate is good news for Ukraine in the face of a critical shortage on the battlefield.
Uncertain future
But it is not clear what will happen in the House of Representatives, where Republican allies of former President Donald Trump are very likely to close ranks against the project.
Trump, who is emerging as the favorite to have the Republican nomination in this election year, has been a firm critic of the current policies and the White House’s support for Ukraine.
House Speaker Mike Johnson raised further doubts during a statement hours before approval, indicating that they do not have a time frame to send the legislation to Biden’s office for signature, if necessary.
Regardless, approval in the Senate is seen as an achievement by the leaders of both chambers.
“History settles all accounts,” McConnell said. “And today, when it comes to the value of American leadership and strength, history will show that the Senate did not fail.”
In a direct message to his critics in a speech on Sunday, McConnell said “the eyes of the world” were on the Senate.
For what is the money?
The dollar amount is aimed at purchasing American-made defense equipment, such as ammunition and anti-aircraft systems that according to authorities are urgently needed in the face of Russian bombings over Ukraine. It also includes $8 billion for the government in kyiv and other forms of assistance.
Additionally, the package would provide $14 billion for Israel’s war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to confront China, and $9.2 billion for humanitarian aid for Gaza.
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