Senate approves $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, awaiting Joe Biden’s signature later | Global News
The Senate has approved $95bn (£76.2bn) in war aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan after facing months of delays and disagreements. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the legislation soon.
The bill passed the Senate with an overwhelming 79-18 vote late on Tuesday, following approval by the House on Saturday.
Once signed, the president will begin sending weapons to Ukraine, which has been struggling against Russian forces. The legislation also includes $26bn (£20bn) in wartime assistance for Israel, humanitarian aid for Gaza citizens, and $8bn (£6.4bn) to address threats from China in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region.
Analysis:
What US aid package means for war in Ukraine
US officials anticipate that about $1bn (£802,000) worth of aid could be sent out soon, with the majority following in the coming weeks.
In an interview with The Associated Press prior to the vote, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the importance of passing the aid, stating that not doing so would have significant economic, political, and military consequences for the US.
“Very few things we have done have risen to this level of historic importance,” he said.
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On the Senate floor, Mr Schumer emphasized that the Senate stands in solidarity with US allies, sending a clear message of support.
Both Mr Schumer and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell warned of dire consequences if Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression goes unchecked, not only for the US but also for its allies.
The bipartisan effort by Mr Schumer, Mr McConnell, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, was able to overcome Republican opposition to the Ukraine aid package. The House passed the package with significant support in a series of votes on Saturday, with the Ukraine portion passing 311-112.
The $61bn (£48.1bn) allocated to Ukraine is crucial as the country faces increasing challenges and the Ukrainian soldiers struggle to combat Russian advances.
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Zelenskyy ‘grateful’ for US package
President Biden has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the US will provide essential air defense weaponry once the legislation is approved.
“The President has assured me that the package will be approved quickly and that it will be powerful, strengthening our air defense as well as long-range and artillery capabilities,” Mr Zelenskyy stated in a post on X on Monday.
