The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $95 billion aid package, with bipartisan support, to provide security assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
Despite opposition from some Republican hardliners, the legislation now advances to the Senate, where similar measures were previously approved.
The aid bill allocates $60.84 billion for addressing the conflict in Ukraine, including funding for replenishing U.S. weapons and facilities.
It also includes $26 billion for Israel, with a significant portion allocated for humanitarian needs, and $8.12 billion for the Indo-Pacific, particularly benefiting Taiwan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the bill’s passage, emphasizing its role in preventing the expansion of the war and saving lives.
The Biden administration is poised to promptly announce the next assistance package for Ukraine following the bill’s enactment, aiming to address urgent battlefield needs.
Despite broad bipartisan support, some Republicans opposed the legislation, with 112 members voting against it. This opposition underscores internal divisions within the GOP regarding foreign aid and international commitments.
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a vocal critic of aiding Ukraine, refrained from pushing for the removal of House Speaker Mike Johnson, who supported the bill.
During the House session, lawmakers displayed solidarity with Ukraine by waving small Ukrainian flags, drawing criticism from Johnson as a “violation of decorum.”
The passage of aid for Israel also faced scrutiny, with progressive Democrats expressing concerns about Israel’s conduct in the Gaza conflict.
The legislative package’s approval carries significant implications for U.S. defense contractors, who stand to benefit from potential contracts to supply equipment to Ukraine and other allies.
Despite challenges from hardline factions within the Republican Party and mounting national debt concerns, the bill’s passage underscores bipartisan commitment to supporting key allies and addressing global security challenges.
