US Senate Passes $95 Billion Military Aid Package, Including $61 Billion for Ukraine
Bipartisan Effort Sees Overwhelming Support for Aid to Allies Facing Threats
In a significant move aimed at bolstering global security, the United States Senate has passed a comprehensive $95 billion military aid package, with a substantial portion earmarked for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia. The bill, which garnered an impressive 79-18 vote late Tuesday, includes long-awaited aid totaling $61 billion for Ukraine, signaling a strong commitment to supporting Kyiv in its defense against Russian aggression.
US President Joe Biden swiftly voiced his support for the bill, expressing his intention to sign it into law on Wednesday. In a statement following the Senate's decision, Biden emphasized the historic significance of the bipartisan effort, affirming plans for the immediate commencement of weapon and equipment deliveries to Ukraine.
The aid package, which faced months of deliberation and debate, will not only provide critical support to Ukraine but also allocate significant resources to other strategic allies. Israel, a key US partner in the Middle East, stands to benefit from $26 billion in wartime assistance, reinforcing the alliance against common adversaries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the US Senate for their decisive action, acknowledging the crucial support in bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities. Yuriy Sak, an advisor to Kyiv's minister of strategic industry, underscored the significance of the aid package in enhancing Ukraine's ability to counter external threats.
I am grateful to the United States Senate for approving vital aid to Ukraine today.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 24, 2024
I thank Majority Leader Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell @LeaderMcConnell for their strong leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation, as well as all US…
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz lauded the Senate's approval of the aid bill, emphasizing its symbolic importance in sending a resolute message to adversaries.
Beyond aid to specific allies, the comprehensive package also allocates funds for humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza and addresses concerns regarding geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Notably, measures targeting Chinese influence, including a potential ban on the popular social media platform TikTok, were included in the bill alongside provisions aimed at countering Russian aggression and imposing new sanctions on Iran.
The Senate's passage of the aid package underscores a bipartisan commitment to bolstering international security and supporting key allies in the face of evolving threats. With President Biden poised to sign the bill into law imminently, attention now turns to the swift implementation of aid initiatives and their impact on global stability.
