President Biden Signs $95 Billion Emergency Foreign Aid Package
President Biden has signed the $95 billion emergency foreign aid package, providing much-needed assistance to Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific. The package includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $15 billion in military aid for Israel, $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and other war-torn areas, and $8 billion in security assistance to deter Chinese aggression.
Biden praised the bipartisan support for the legislation, noting that it demonstrates Congress’s ability to come together on critical issues despite ongoing divisions. He also emphasized the urgency of the aid for Ukraine, highlighting reports that Ukrainian forces were running out of artillery shells and ammunition due to the delay caused by ‘MAGA Republicans.’
The legislation also includes language to force the Chinese owner of TikTok to divest from the popular app or face a ban within the United States. Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring that Israel has the resources it needs to defend itself against Iran and its supported terrorist groups. He also noted the vital support the package provides for humanitarian assistance, including $1 billion in aid for Gaza.
The passage of the legislation comes as Biden faces increasing pressure from other Democrats, activists, and young people to call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. Protests have taken place on college campuses across the country, including at Columbia University, where demonstrations led to arrests and the cancellation of in-person classes for the rest of the semester.
The legislation does not include border security measures, which were part of the initial $111 billion national security package requested by Biden last year. Biden expressed his determination to secure funding for border security in the future.
