In an unusual vote on Super Bowl Sunday, the Senate voted to advance aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies, clearing a key hurdle when 18 Republicans signed on.
The package would provide Ukraine with $60 billion, much of it to buy U.S.-made defense equipment, including munitions and air defense systems, that authorities desperately need in the wake of Russia’s attack on the country. This includes $8 billion and other aid to the Kiev government.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D.N. .Y.) has arrived. Gazan civilians at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, February 11, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
It will also provide $14 billion for Israel’s war against Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific region fighting China, and $9.2 billion for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Senate leaders hit back at Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that the money is essential to maintaining America’s global standing.
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D.Y.) and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) warned of the consequences of abandoning America’s longtime allies in Europe.
“American leadership is important, and that is being called into question,” McConnell said in his opening remarks. Schumer said Putin has a “very good chance of success” if the U.S. doesn’t help Ukraine.
As the Senate prepares to vote on an emergency spending package that would provide military aid to Ukraine and Israel, replenish U.S. weapons systems, and provide food, water and other humanitarian aid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell ( (Republican, Kentucky, Center) has arrived. Assistance to civilians in Gaza at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, February 11, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Sunday’s vote on the $95.3 billion foreign aid package was 67-27, with former President Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, seeking to crush the aid and escalate his attacks on the NATO military alliance. It was held in the midst of
The day before the vote, President Trump said at a campaign rally in South Carolina that Russia should be able to “do whatever it wants” to NATO countries that don’t meet their defense spending goals.
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Mr. McConnell has made Ukraine a top priority on his agenda, but more members of his Republican caucus are following Mr. Trump’s lead in opposing aid.
The Senate is moving forward with multiple procedural votes on the slimmed-down package after attempts to combine it with legislation to stop migrants at the U.S. border failed. Opposition from staunchly opposed aid has delayed swift action, forcing a weekend vote as negotiations continue over possible amendments to the bill.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as the Senate prepares for a procedural vote on an emergency spending package that would provide military aid to Ukraine and Israel, replenishment of U.S. weapons systems, food, water and other humanitarian aid. (R-Kentucky) has arrived. Gazan civilians at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, February 11, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Schumer said he was open to the amendments, most of which are likely to fail, but forced senators to stay in session through the weekend to speed up the process.
“I can’t remember the last time the Senate was in session for the Super Bowl on Sunday,” Schumer said during his opening remarks. “But as I’ve said all week, we’re going to keep working on this bill until the job is done.”
In a key vote last week, 17 Republican senators agreed to begin consideration of the bill and 31 voted against it, giving McConnell and other Republicans new hope for passing the aid bill. gave.
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But even if the Senate passes the bill, its future is highly uncertain in the House, where most Republicans are staunch allies of Mr. Trump.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
