The American Senate voted in favor of moving forward with a package of assistance including Ukraine and Israel totaling $95.34 billion in a procedural vote pushing the legislation a step closer to approval.
With 66 members in favor and 33 against, the required 60 votes were surpassed, overcoming the final procedural hurdle before the final consideration of the bill tomorrow, Wednesday.
The vote represents a step from the Senate, led by the Democrats, towards final approval of the aid package amid increasing doubts about the fate of the legislation in the House of Representatives, controlled by Republicans.
Both the Senate and the House must agree on the legislation before Democratic President Joe Biden can sign it into law.
The bill may face long-term disagreements in the House, as House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the Republican majority wants additional measures to address the issue of the record influx of undocumented immigrants across the US-Mexico border.
Johnson said in a statement released before the Senate vote, “In the absence of any change in border policy from the Senate, the House will need to continue to assert its will on these important matters.”
Package Funds
The aid package includes about $14 billion for Israel, continuing its aggression on Gaza. Meanwhile, Ukraine will receive a substantial share ($60 billion) to compensate for depleted ammunition supplies, weapons, and other vital needs as the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its third year.
Additionally, the package includes $4.83 billion to support partners in the Indian and Pacific Oceans region, such as Taiwan, along with $9.15 billion in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, Ukraine, and other conflict zones across the globe.
