The Democratic-led US Senate took a step toward final approval of a $95.34 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan yesterday, Monday, amid increasing doubts about the fate of the legislation in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Senators voted 66 to 33 to overcome the 60 votes needed to bypass the final procedural hurdle before a final consideration of the bill. Senate leaders expect the vote to pass the package sometime on Wednesday.
Both the Senate and House must approve the legislation before Democratic President Joe Biden can sign it into law. However, the bill may face prolonged disagreement in the House, as Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the Republican majority seeks conservative measures to address the record flow of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border. Johnson said in a statement before the Senate vote on Monday, "In the absence of any change in border policy from the Senate, the House will have to continue to assert its will on these important matters."
The legislation includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel as it conducts war against the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), $4.83 billion to support partners in the Indo-Pacific region, such as Taiwan, and deter Chinese aggression. It also provides $9.15 billion in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, Ukraine, and conflict regions worldwide.
Biden has urged Congress for months to expedite new aid for Ukraine and US partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, he also requested funds for the US ally, along with humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza.
