Senate to Vote on Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan Aid Package
Washington, D.C. – The Senate is scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday to vote on a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for Taiwan. The legislation has been delayed for months due to internal debate within Congress over the U.S.’s involvement abroad.
The aid for Ukraine comes as the war-torn country desperately needs new firepower to combat Russian forces. The legislation also includes $26 billion in wartime assistance for Israel and humanitarian relief for the citizens of Gaza. Additionally, $8 billion will be allocated to counter China’s influence in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region.
In order to gain more votes, Republicans in the House majority added a bill to the package that would force TikTok to sell its U.S. operations if its Chinese owners do not divest within a year. The foreign aid portion of the bill is similar to what the Senate approved in February, with some minor changes and additions.
The package has broad support in Congress, but it has faced strong opposition from a growing number of conservatives who question the U.S.’s involvement in foreign wars. The fault line between these conservatives and traditional Republicans may become increasingly significant in shaping future foreign policy decisions.
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell has made clear that stopping Russian President Vladimir Putin is important enough for him to stake his political capital. House Speaker Mike Johnson has also defended the bill, stating that history will judge it well.
The Senate could pass the aid package as soon as Tuesday afternoon if senators are able to agree on the timing for a vote. If Republicans who oppose the legislation decide to protest and draw out the process, final votes would likely be Wednesday.
The legislation was first passed by the Senate in February on a sweeping 70-29 vote, and it could get even more votes this time after the House added in the loan provisions. The idea for a loan started with former President Donald Trump, who had been opposed to the aid. South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a former GOP hawk who voted against the bill in February, has indicated he will support it this time.
The revised House package also includes several Republican priorities that were acceptable to Democrats to get the bill passed. Opponents in the Senate are likely to include some left-wing senators who are opposed to aiding Israel. Vermont Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch both voted against the package in February, citing concerns about Netanyahu’s attacks on Gaza.
