Senate Republicans have thwarted the passage of a crucial $110 billion (£87.3 billion) aid bill for Ukraine after failing to secure concessions on border security reforms. The comprehensive package included $61 billion for Ukraine, funds for Israel, and aid for Gaza. The White House has issued warnings that the depletion of US funds for Ukraine is imminent, raising concerns about the ongoing war.
The 51 to 49 vote against advancing the bill, with all Republicans dissenting, throws the future of aid for Ukraine into uncertainty and necessitates a return to negotiations just days before Congress is set to go on winter break. Republicans are steadfast in their demand to link aid for Ukraine with sweeping US immigration and asylum reforms.
Urgency surrounding the aid bill escalated after a classified briefing on Tuesday, intended to garner support for additional funds, ended acrimoniously. Lawmakers engaged in heated arguments over border security, leading to at least a dozen Republicans walking out. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also cancelled a virtual briefing with lawmakers, citing a “last-minute matter.”
President Joe Biden expressed his willingness to compromise on border security to expedite the aid bill’s passage, emphasising the urgency of the situation. Despite his plea, Senate Republicans remained resolute, insisting on their demands for immigration and asylum reforms.
The Biden administration, in a separate move, announced $175 million in new security assistance for Ukraine from already approved funding. This assistance includes ammunition, missiles, artillery shells, and equipment to protect critical national infrastructure.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered an emotional plea to his colleagues, characterising the vote as a pivotal “moment in history” and urging them to “rush to the defence of democracy” in Ukraine. Observers note that the failure to secure more US aid could jeopardise Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian forces and reclaim occupied territory.
Despite ongoing negotiations, it remains uncertain whether progress can be achieved before Congress adjourns for the holidays next week. Senate Republicans, adamant about their demands, have underscored the need for border security measures to be included in any Ukraine aid package.
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed these sentiments, stating that the House cannot pass any Ukraine aid without significant border security measures. The aid package, if passed in the Senate, would still face challenges in the House of Representatives.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Congress has approved over $110 billion in military and economic aid for Ukraine. However, most of this funding has already been distributed. White House budget director Shalanda Young emphasised the urgency, stating that without Congressional action, the US would be unable to provide more weapons and equipment to Ukraine “by the end of the year.”
Kiki Garba
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