The United States Senate approved a substantial $95 billion aid package intended for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, marking an important bipartisan effort that saw more than 20 Republican senators cross party lines despite explicit opposition from former President Donald Trump.
This legislative move, however, is set to encounter hurdles as it progresses to the House, where its fate remains uncertain.
In an early vote on Tuesday, February 13th, the Senate showcased unity with a 70-29 approval, despite Trump’s vehement criticism of the bill, advocating that the U.S. should extend loans, not grants, to foreign allies instead.
Senator Lindsey Graham, who previously backed the aid, voted against the bill on Tuesday. He echoed Trump’s sentiments that any assistance should be in the form of a loan, even though a large portion of the funds would be allocated to American companies to restock U.S. arms supplies sent to Ukraine.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. Speaker Mike Johnson expressed skepticism about bringing the Senate bill to the floor for debate or a vote, citing concerns over the lack of provisions for the southern border—a critical issue that was not addressed in the Senate’s proposal after negotiations fell through last week.
Johnson said, “In the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, in a plea for House action, highlighted the historical significance of the bill, stating, “My message [to Johnson] is this is a rare moment where history is looking upon the United States and seeing if we will stand up for our values, stand up to bullies like Putin and do the right thing.”
The potential refusal by the House to pass the bill is seen by Schumer as an “enormous gift to Vladimir Putin,” stressing the urgency for Speaker Johnson and House Republicans to act swiftly.
Despite questions about possible amendments from the House of Representatives, Schumer remained adamant that the Senate version should be passed as is, dismissing the idea of converting aid into loans as suggested by Trump.
President Joe Biden also weighed in, commending the bipartisan effort in the Senate and urging the House of Representatives to act urgently, emphasizing this aid’s importance in demonstrating American leadership and support for Ukraine and Israel.
Biden, in a speech at the White House on Tuesday, said, “I urge Speaker Johnson to bring it to the floor immediately, immediately. There’s no question that if the Senate bill was put on the floor in the House of Representatives, it would pass. It would pass. And the speaker knows that.”
The White House warned that failure to pass the bill could undermine America’s credibility on the global stage.
National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby emphasized the critical nature of the aid, stating, “Israel is in a fight literally for their lives and the Ukrainians are too for their democracy.”
