In a landmark move, the United States Senate has given its nod to a $95 billion foreign aid package, paving the way for critical military assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The measure, which passed in a bipartisan vote of 79-18 on Tuesday evening, received widespread support, signaling a strong message of solidarity from the United States to its allies in the face of escalating global tensions.
The approved aid package, which had previously been passed by the US House of Representatives on Saturday, includes $61 billion earmarked for military support to Ukraine. According to the Pentagon, this aid could start reaching the war-torn nation “within days,” offering crucial assistance to Ukrainian forces grappling with ongoing conflict.
President Joe Biden is expected to sign the legislation into law on Wednesday, underscoring the commitment of the United States to bolstering the security and defense capabilities of its allies. Reacting to the Senate’s decision, President Biden hailed the passage of the bill as “critical legislation” that would enhance global security and support nations defending themselves against threats posed by entities like Hamas and leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the significance of the aid package, stating, “America sends a message to the entire world: we will not turn our back on you.” His sentiments were echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who lauded the move, stating that it “reinforces America’s role as a beacon of democracy and leader of the free world.”
The aid package also allocates $17 billion to Israel and $9 billion for civilians affected by conflicts worldwide, including Palestinians in Gaza. Additionally, $8 billion has been designated for allies in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Taiwan, in a bid to counter the influence of communist China.
However, the passage of the aid package was not without opposition. A group of Senate Republicans, alongside independent Senator Bernie Sanders, voiced objections to certain provisions, including the allocation of new offensive weapons to Israel. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville criticized the decision, stating that pouring more money into Ukraine’s coffers would only prolong the conflict and lead to further loss of life.
In addition to the foreign aid, the legislation also includes provisions targeting Russia, Iran, and China, as well as a measure aimed at forcing the Chinese company ByteDance to sell the popular social media app TikTok. The provision has bipartisan support, with lawmakers expressing concerns about national security risks associated with the app’s ownership
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