U.S. House of Representatives Passes Security Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan

21 April, Kathmandu – In a significant move marked by broad bipartisan support, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $95 billion legislative package on Saturday, aimed at providing security assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Despite objections from Republican hardliners, the bill garnered enough votes to proceed to the Democratic-majority Senate, which had previously passed a similar measure over two months ago. Both Democratic President Joe Biden and top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell had been pressing Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the bill to a vote.

The legislative package allocates $60.84 billion to address the conflict in Ukraine, with provisions including $23 billion to replenish U.S. weapons and $26 billion for Israel, including significant funds for humanitarian aid. Additionally, $8.12 billion is earmarked for the Indo-Pacific region, particularly Taiwan.

Following the House’s passage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude, emphasizing the importance of the aid in preserving stability and saving lives. The Biden administration is already preparing the next assistance package for Ukraine to meet its urgent needs on the battlefield, aiming to announce it promptly upon the bill becoming law.

However, the passage of the bill wasn’t without contention. Notably, 112 Republicans opposed the legislation, underscoring divisions within the party regarding support for Ukraine. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a vocal opponent of aid to Ukraine, refrained from taking action against Speaker Johnson despite her opposition.

During the vote, some lawmakers displayed Ukrainian flags, drawing a rebuke from Speaker Johnson for violating decorum. Moreover, the passage of aid for Israel revealed cracks in congressional support, with a notable number of Democrats and Republicans opposing it, reflecting growing discontent with Israel’s actions in Gaza among progressive Democrats.

The legislative package also includes measures addressing issues beyond aid allocation, such as a potential ban on TikTok and the transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine. Despite objections from some hardline Republicans citing concerns about the national debt, Speaker Johnson emphasized the necessity of fulfilling important obligations under the current circumstances.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump voiced support for Speaker Johnson and highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s survival for the United States. The bill’s passage signals a significant step forward in addressing global security challenges while navigating domestic political divides.

Source: REUTERS