US Senate Passes $95 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine and Israel Following Border Deal Failure

A bill totaling $95.34 billion, which includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, has advanced in the U.S. Senate. This comes after Republicans blocked a compromise legislation that also included an overhaul of immigration policy.

The procedural motion to advance the bill was backed by 67-32, surpassing the 60-vote threshold. Seventeen Republicans voted in favor.

Senate Majority Leader Schumer stated, “This is a good first step. This bill is essential for our national security, for the security of our friends in Ukraine, in Israel, for humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza, and for Taiwan.” He made this statement after the vote in the Senate.

There is no immediate word on when the final passage will be considered by the 100-member chamber.

The Democratic-led Senate took up the security aid bill after Republicans on Wednesday blocked a more comprehensive measure. This measure also included reforms of border security and immigration policy that a bipartisan group of senators had negotiated for months.

The security aid bill includes $61 billion for Ukraine in its battle against a Russian invasion, $14 billion for Israel in its war against Hamas, and $4.83 billion to support partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan. This aid is aimed at deterring aggression by China.

Supporters of Ukraine have been working to find a way to send more money to help Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s government for much of the past year.

Even if the aid bill eventually passes the Senate, it faces uncertainty in the House of Representatives. Many Republican House members, particularly those closely allied with former President Donald Trump, have voted against Ukraine aid, including Speaker Mike Johnson.

Despite approving over $110 billion for Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Congress has not passed any major aid for Kyiv since Republicans took control of the House in January 2023.