The Senate passed a bill to aid Ukraine and Israel. However, a conflict is brewing in the House. Some representatives, like Speaker Mike Johnson, are opposing the package.
The Senate’s passage of an aid package for Ukraine and Israel sets the stage for a potential showdown in the House of Representatives. The aid package likely includes provisions aimed at supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia and providing assistance to Israel for various security needs.
The Senate has greenlit a bill with a 70-29 vote, allocating $95.34 billion in fresh foreign aid. This aid package includes $61 billion for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, $14 billion for Israel’s battle against Hamas, and $4.8 billion to assist Indo-Pacific nations in countering Chinese aggression.
“Now that the Senate has approved a major aid package with bipartisan support, it’s crucial for the Speaker to schedule a vote on it promptly. Our allies in Ukraine desperately need this assistance to fend off Putin’s invasion,” stated Senator Patty Murray (D., Wash.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
A group of Republican Senators, led by Senator Paul of Kentucky, spoke out on the Senate floor against providing $61 billion in military aid to Ukraine. They argue that this aid may not bring an end to the war or improve future peace deals. Additionally, they believe that giving more aid to Ukraine should be postponed while the U.S. deals with its border crisis.
Democratic Senators Merkley from Oregon and Welch from Vermont, along with independent Senator Sanders from Vermont, joined Republicans in opposing the foreign aid package because of concerns about U.S. support for Israel. Despite their opposition, many Republicans still voted for the bill, along with the majority of Democrats.
Speaker Mike Johnson declared on Monday that the Senate’s package won’t proceed. However, both Republicans in favor of the bill and Democrats are considering using a discharge petition to ensure a vote on the legislation.
Johnson emphasized the need to prioritize securing America’s own border before allocating more foreign aid. With the Senate not making any changes to border policies, Johnson believes it’s up to the House to address this issue. He expressed the view that America deserves better than the current approach taken by the Senate.
In February, Senate Republicans rejected a bipartisan agreement that paired foreign aid measures with immigration policies aimed at addressing the southern border crisis.
House Republicans, with strong conservative backing, vehemently opposed the bill, citing insufficient border provisions and viewing it as a political concession to Democrats.
House Speaker Mike Johnson declared on Monday evening that he rejected the bill because it failed to address US-Mexico border security, making it a nonstarter.
The bill provides $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel’s conflict with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and Indo-Pacific partners to counter China, and $9.2 billion for humanitarian aid in Gaza.”