Republican Senator Opposes Providing Ukraine with Additional $60 Billion in Aid

Conservative circles are still feeling the fallout from the recent $95 billion foreign aid package, particularly in relation to Ukraine. One Republican senator stated that Ukraine would not receive another supplemental aid package like this in the future.

President Joe Biden signed the aid package into law, providing $60.84 billion in aid to Ukraine for its defense against Russia’s invasion. To secure Republican support, $9.5 billion in the form of forgivable loans was included, which Ukraine can use to purchase weapons.

However, some Republicans are now pledging to withhold further aid.

Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, stated, “If Ukraine thinks it will receive another $60 billion from the U.S. Congress, there’s no way.” Vance has been vocal against the aid package, unlike nine GOP colleagues who changed their votes to pass the measure late Tuesday night.

Another point of contention for Republicans is that the aid bill lacks any southern border policy attachment.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., criticized the aid, stating, “It makes no sense for the U.S. to borrow billions to send unaccountable aid to Ukraine while our border remains open.” Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., also emphasized the importance of addressing the southern border issue.

The White House mentioned that the aid to Ukraine should last until the end of the year. The outcome after that will largely depend on the results of the upcoming elections in 2025.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is facing backlash from conservatives for his role in passing the $95 billion bill, and there are talks of potentially removing him. Additionally, a new Republican Senate leader will be in place after November.

Even Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who supported the aid, stated that any future supplemental aid would likely be in the form of loans that need to be repaid.