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The US package of billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan is expected to be quickly approved by the US Senate this evening. The House of Representatives quickly approved the aid last Saturday after months of gridlock.
The Senate will consider the package of four bills passed by the House. The first foresees 61 billion dollars for Ukraine, the second is for 26 billion dollars for Israel, the third for 8.12 billion dollars “to counteract communist China” in the Indo-Pacific region. The fourth package targets a ban on the use of the TikTok app, the transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine and new sanctions against Iran.
The four-pack of bills will be voted on by the Democratic-dominated Senate, then must be signed into law by President Biden at the White House. Thus, military aid to Ukraine gets the green light to be sent within days.
US aid to Ukraine approved, deliveries expected within days
The supply of weapons and ammunition will greatly improve Kiev’s chances of preventing a large-scale Russian advance in the east, analysts say. However, they said it would be better if the aid had already been approved when Biden requested it in 2023.
It is not yet clear how the money to Israel will affect the conflict in Gaza, as Tel Aviv already receives billions of dollars in security aid from the US. The package also includes humanitarian aid for the Palestinians in Gaza.
Humanitarian concern
The Israel bill passed the House by a vote of 366 to 58, with 21 Republicans and 37 Democrats opposed. Those who voted “no” were hard-line Republicans who generally oppose foreign aid. Democrats who voted against have been pushing for more humanitarian aid after Israel’s devastating military assault on Gaza, which killed more than 34,000 people.
“The House votes, now it’s the Senate’s turn, and we’re at the finals”
Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Senate Democrats
“We’re going to say to our friends in Ukraine, to our allies in NATO, to our allies in Israel and to all the people in the world who need help: rest assured that America will help again,” Schumer said.
Biden assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a phone call Monday that his administration would provide new aid “to meet Ukraine’s urgent frontline and air defense needs,” the White House said.
Tags: Senate today approve longawaited aid Ukraine Israel Taiwan
