The United States Senate has overwhelmingly passed a $95 billion foreign aid package with funds earmarked for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bill passed 79-18 late on Tuesday evening after the House of Representatives passed it on Saturday. Its passage comes after months of delays and debate over the extent to which the US should be involved in foreign wars.
President Joe Biden, who worked with congressional leaders to win support, said in a statement that he would sign the bill into law on Wednesday and immediately start the process of sending weapons to Ukraine which has been struggling to hold its frontlines against Russia. The package also includes $26 billion to provide wartime assistance for Israel and humanitarian relief for Palestinians living in Gaza. $8 billion has been set aside to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made passage of the legislation a top priority, agreeing to tie the Ukraine and Israel aid together to help ensure it was approved by the Senate.
The passage of the foreign aid package is a significant development in the US’s foreign policy. It signals a renewed commitment to providing support to key allies and partners, particularly in the face of growing tensions with Russia and China. The package is also likely to have a significant impact on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as it will provide much-needed military and humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian government and people.
