Washington, D.C. (Agencies): The Democratic-led US Senate has passed a $95.34 billion international security assistance package, which includes approximately $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. The bill was approved with a 70-29 vote in a pre-dawn session, surpassing the 60-vote threshold with support from a group of Republican lawmakers.
However, the bill faces strong opposition in the GOP-controlled House, where continued spending on Ukraine is being contested. House Speaker Mike Johnson has linked any appropriation of funds for Kiev to radical reforms at home, specifically in the US immigration system and security at the southern border.
Johnson reiterated his opposition to the bill, suggesting that instead of pushing it through, senators should have amended the current bill to include real border security provisions. He stated that the lower chamber “will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the significance of the bill, stating, “It’s been years, perhaps decades, since the Senate has passed a bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but also the security of western democracy.”
US President Joe Biden has been urging Congress for months to expedite the approval of Ukraine aid. He warned that by failing to provide more money to the government in Kiev, the US risked a direct confrontation with Russia down the line. He further stated that after defeating Ukraine, Moscow could potentially attack a NATO member state, obligating Washington to send troops to the rescue under the bloc’s charter.
The fate of the bill now lies in the hands of the House, where it is expected to face significant opposition.