Senate Advances Ukraine-Israel Aid Bill
TL/DR –
The US Senate has advanced a $95 billion emergency aid package for Ukraine and Israel, with 67 in favor and 27 against. The bill would allot $60.1 billion to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, $14.1 billion to Israel for its war with Hamas, and almost $10 billion for humanitarian aid in conflict zones. However, the bill faces significant opposition in the Republican-led House, where far-right members argue that the US should focus on domestic issues such as border security before assisting other nations.
Senate Advances $95 Billion Ukraine-Israel Aid Bill in Rare Sunday Session
The Senate has advanced a $95 billion emergency aid bill for Ukraine and Israel. The bipartisan vote, 67-27, will pave the way for the package’s passage within days. The bill, set to provide funds for Kyiv’s war against Russian aggression and Israel’s conflict with Hamas, also allocates nearly $10 billion in humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones and addresses Indo-Pacific threats.
“U.S. allies don’t have the luxury of pretending that the world’s most dangerous aggressors are someone else’s problem and neither do we,” Senator Mitch McConnell said on Sunday. Senator Chuck Schumer commended Republicans working in good faith to get the bill done, underlining its importance to national and Western democracy security.
Obstacles Await Aid Bill in Republican-led House
The aid bill faces challenges in the Republican-led House due to “America First” opposition. Critics argue that the U.S. should first secure its border with Mexico before dedicating billions to Ukraine’s security and humanitarian aid in conflict zones. Even after last week’s failed vote on a border crackdown aid bill, opponents continue to voice their concerns.
Former President Donald J. Trump has fed this resistance, encouraging Republicans to reject the bipartisan border plan. Not only that, he has made it clear he opposes funding Ukraine’s military campaign against the Russian invasion.
Trump’s Stance on NATO and Global Democratic Order
Trump advocated a transactional approach to the global democratic order. He stated he would refuse to defend NATO members against a Russian attack if they failed to fulfill their spending commitments. Most NATO nations have not met the 2% of GDP military spending threshold.
Democrats and a group of Republicans, led by Mitch McConnell, dismissed Trump’s stance. They insist on the U.S.’s vital role in supporting Ukraine’s military aids and signalling to the world’s dictators.
Aid Bill Likely to Pass Despite Trump’s Opposition
Democrats expect enough Republicans to resist Trump’s pressure for the bill to pass in the Senate. Senator Christopher S. Murphy warned of a disaster that could lead President Vladimir Putin to threaten NATO allies if the Senate failed to pass the aid bill.
Despite the opposition from House G.O.P’s hard-liners, the bipartisan coalition backing the bill is determined to push it through. The Senate Republicans argued that holding votes on partisan proposals, even if they fail, is crucial to signal the party’s stance.
Amendments Expected in the Foreign Aid Bill
Republicans have proposed revisions to the foreign aid bill, focusing primarily on the southwestern border. Democrats, however, responded with their own amendments, including a proposal to grant lawful permanent residence to certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
Other changes demanded by Republicans include a measure to remove the economic assistance for Ukraine from the bill. A group of Democrats also seeks votes to limit the impact of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
—
Read More US News