The US Senate is preparing for the last vote on the final version of the foreign aid bill.
The final vote on a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, which is likely to receive enough support in the Senate, may take place as soon as Tuesday. However, it may face more opposition in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated on the Senate floor that the supplemental package carries immense significance, as it pertains to our security, values, and democracy. He emphasized that it is a crucial investment in preserving Western democracy and American values.
Senator Schumer stated that the actions of the Senate in the upcoming days will be remembered globally. He emphasized that nothing would please Russian President Vladimir Putin more than to see Congress falter in their assistance towards Ukraine, and that this would greatly benefit him in the ongoing conflict.
On February 11, 2024, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Majority Leader of the Senate from New York, arrives at the Capitol in Washington.
The legislation allocates $61 billion to Ukraine, $14 billion to Israel, almost $5 billion to aid allies in the Indo-Pacific region, such as Taiwan, and additional forms of support.
The Republican party has typically shown support for providing more assistance to Israel in their conflict against Hamas militants. However, a number of American lawmakers, particularly those who align with progressive Democrats, have openly denounced Israel for the severity of their counterattack. According to Palestinian health officials, the counteroffensive has resulted in the deaths of over 28,000 people in Gaza since the October attack by Hamas. Israel, on the other hand, claims that the attack resulted in 1,200 deaths.
However, certain conservative Republican legislators, who are closely associated with ex-President Donald Trump, have been expressing growing disapproval of providing additional support to Ukraine in their two-year battle against the Russian invasion. This puts the approval of the aid at risk, despite the majority of Democratic lawmakers and President Joe Biden being in favor.
Some Republicans believe that additional assistance should not be provided to Ukraine unless the U.S. Congress authorizes more funding for domestic border security.
According to Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, our country has provided Ukraine with over $120 billion. This amount should have been sufficient to protect all borders, but unfortunately, as expected, the funds have only led to a prolonged stalemate that has caused the loss of numerous lives from both Ukraine and Russia. This statement was made on Monday during Tuberville’s speech on the Senate floor.
Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senator from Kentucky and leader of the minority party in the U.S. Senate, headed to the Senate floor for a vote on a bill that includes assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The vote took place at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on February 9th, 2024.
On Sunday, 18 Republicans in the Senate voted in favor of a crucial procedural move to advance the foreign aid package, along with the Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a strong proponent of aid to Ukraine, stated that the role of American leadership is being called into question.
Prior to the election, Trump expressed disapproval of providing more assistance to Ukraine, stating on various online platforms, “The US should not continue to act foolishly!”
Last week, Republican members of the Senate prevented the progress of a proposal that included foreign aid and measures to increase restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to decrease the number of migrants crossing into the United States daily. President Trump did not support the border measures, claiming they were not strict enough, and Republican legislators followed his stance on the matter.
The Republican senators may attempt to add strict immigration measures to the aid package, but it is uncertain if they will be able to come to an agreement with Democratic lawmakers.
If the Senate gives its approval to the bill, it is unclear what will happen in the House of Representatives. The Republicans in the House seem to be even more strongly against providing further aid to Ukraine.
On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of first securing America’s own border before providing foreign aid to other countries. He also criticized the current Senate bill for not addressing this critical issue facing our nation.
On December 27, 2023, the Pentagon delivered the final authorized shipment of assistance to Ukraine.
Source: voanews.com
