Late on Tuesday, after months of delay, a foreign aid package easily passed the U.S. Congress, clearing the way for billions of dollars in fresh funding for Ukraine amidst Russia’s invasion advances and Kyiv’s military shortages.
The Senate approved four bills passed by the House of Representatives, totaling $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and U.S partners in the Indo-Pacific.
It was reported that President Joe Biden will sign the package into law on Wednesday.
The largest portion of the aid, $61 billion, is earmarked for Ukraine, with an additional $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid for conflict zones globally.
A notable $8.12 billion is allocated to counter communist China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude to U.S. lawmakers, emphasising the significance of the aid for Ukraine’s security.
The aid package includes a range of military equipment such as vehicles, air defense munitions, and anti-tank weapons, aiming to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
The bipartisan support for the aid package underscores America’s commitment to supporting its allies in the face of aggression.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed the legislation as crucial for protecting American security and democracy.
However, opposition from some Republicans, including those aligned with former President Donald Trump, caused delays in passing the aid.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell lamented the delay but expressed optimism that the U.S. was moving away from isolationist policies.
The aid package, which could be the last approved for Ukraine until after the November elections, includes provisions for economic support, with a portion in the form of a loan that can be forgiven by the president starting in 2026.
In addition to aiding Ukraine, the package addresses concerns in the Indo-Pacific and provides support for Israel.
The legislation’s passage is expected to boost the order backlog of U.S. defense firms, including RTX Corp, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman.
While the aid is primarily focused on military support, there are hopes that humanitarian assistance will also benefit conflict zones, such as Gaza, which has faced devastation in recent months.
Chioma Kalu
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