The U.S. Senate is set to vote today, Thursday, on a $95.34 billion aid bill for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, after Republicans blocked a measure that also included long-awaited immigration policy reforms. Democrats and Republicans spent hours discussing the next steps on Wednesday after broader efforts failed. Ultimately, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer decided to adjourn lawmakers and postpone the discussion until Thursday regarding a revised package that excludes immigration policy provisions but includes foreign aid for Ukraine.
The bill calls for approximately $61 billion in security assistance for Ukraine in its war against the Russian invasion, $14 billion for Israel in its conflict with the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), and $4.83 billion to support allies in the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan, to deter China. Supporters of Ukraine are striving to find a way to send more funds to assist President Volodymyr Zelensky's government throughout the year. Despite lawmakers' approval of over $110 billion in aid to Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022, Congress has not passed any significant aid for Kyiv since Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in January 2023.
It is unclear whether the new bill will garner support from House Republicans. Proponents of aid to Ukraine argue that it is crucial for Washington and its partners to send a unified message not only to Russia but to the entire world, a sentiment echoed by U.S. allies following the Senate vote on Wednesday.
