U.S. President Joe Biden signed a tumultuous bill today that provides billions of dollars in new military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, achieving an unusual bipartisan consensus months before the presidential election and ending his standoff with Republicans in Congress.
“This law gives vital support to America’s partners so they can defend themselves against threats to their sovereignty,” Biden said.
The new military aid package includes $61 billion for Ukraine and $26 billion for Israel, as well as $1 billion for humanitarian aid to Gaza and $8 billion to contain China’s military might in the Indo-Pacific region.
The law takes effect immediately, and Biden indicated that he had approved an initial $1 billion arms shipment to Ukraine, which would begin within hours. This initial package includes combat vehicles, ammunition for the Stinger and HIMARS systems, 155 mm artillery shells, ammunition for Javelin anti-tank systems and other weapons that can immediately go to the front.
Biden thanked House Speaker Mike Johnson for breaking the deadlock on the new military aid package and promised to soon address border security, a key issue for Republicans. “The law is an example of what America is capable of when we come together despite our differences,” the US president said.
Biden accused Trump-loyal Republicans of blocking aid for months. The US leader said the passage of the law sends a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose military is making progress in Ukraine.
“He has failed again. America stands behind its friends (…) We will bow to no one, no one, certainly not Vladimir Putin,” Biden said.
