Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer aims to swiftly pass a $95 billion package providing aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. This package was initially requested by President Biden in October 2023.
The package includes measures requiring TikTok to divest from its Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, as well as the REPO Act, which would enable the transfer of $5 billion in Russian assets held in U.S. banks to Ukraine.
The House passed similar bills for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan on Saturday. Schumer began working on the Senate version before the House’s approval.
Despite support from both parties, discontent on both sides of the aisle could potentially delay the Senate’s passage of the aid package.
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is leading a push to allow senators to present amendments in regular order, rather than predetermining the selection by filling the amendment tree.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) supports efforts to ensure that Ukraine repays the aid, indicating possible bipartisan backing. Sanders also plans to introduce amendments aimed at limiting military aid to Israel and restoring funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
If senators successfully prevent Schumer from filling the amendment tree, the voting process could be extended. Additionally, the House would need to reconsider the bills if any amendments are passed.
Despite these concerns, a senior GOP Senate source anticipates that the aid package will pass swiftly, as the previous package passed with 70 votes and only 29 opposed.
