United States President Biden signed a military aid package worth $95 billion that will arm Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, capping months of negotiations and debate.
The US Senate approved the $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan on April 23, with a resounding 79 to 18 vote in favor of the bill.
The aid package includes nearly $61 billion in aid to Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific. The package also includes a bill that could eventually lead to the banning of TikTok in the United States. This means the Chinese parent company ByteDance roughly nine months to sell it or else it will be banned from app stores in the United States.
Earlier in the day, the Senate successfully passed a key procedural step, paving the way for the aid package’s approval. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised this as “one of the greatest achievements the Senate has faced in years.”
“Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need,” said Chuck Schumer in a floor speech on Tuesday afternoon.
“Make no mistake, America will deliver on its promise to act like a leader on the world stage, to hold the line against autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin,” he continued. “We are showing Putin that betting against America is always, always a grave mistake.”
The aid package came after months of delays. Last week, the House of Representatives greenlit four bills aimed at providing urgent funding to three key American allies. The House also considered a conservative proposal that could potentially lead to a nationwide ban on the social media platform TikTok. These measures were consolidated into a comprehensive package that received Senate approval on Tuesday.
Distribution of aid
- The aid allocation is divided as follows: $60.8 billion for Ukraine to bolster its defense against Russian aggression
- $26.3 billion for Israel, including humanitarian relief for conflict-affected areas like Gaza
- $8.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific region to enhance its defenses against China.
China responded to the provision for Taiwan by urging the US to honor its commitment not to support Taiwan’s independence and to cease all forms of military support. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s military indicated its intention to discuss the allocation with the US.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, hailed the funding as a “strong message” to the country’s enemies.
President Biden assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of swift action to provide much-needed military aid, including air defense systems.
To gain more Republican support, a provision was added to the bill that could lead to TikTok being banned in the US unless its Chinese parent company divests within a year. Despite similarities with a previous Senate bill from February, several Republican senators who previously opposed the aid package changed their stance and voted in favor on Tuesday.
Lindsey Graham, a prominent defense advocate, reversed his position after endorsing a loan plan proposed by former President Donald Trump. Graham emphasized the urgency of supporting Israel following recent aerial attacks by Iran.
“Israel needs the US Senate now. No excuses,” Graham wrote on X before voting to advance the bill
The aid package approval faced many challenges, including opposition from Republicans, wary of foreign involvement and those demanding border security legislation alongside foreign aid. Despite these obstacles, the bill passed with overwhelming support in the Senate in February but stalled in the Republican-controlled House.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, after facing pressure from various quarters, including President Biden and European leaders, eventually supported the bill’s passage, though it may jeopardize his political future.
In closing remarks, Schumer commended Johnson and Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate leader, for their bipartisan efforts. McConnell, who is stepping down from his leadership role, emphasized the importance of funding Ukraine and confronted the growing isolationist sentiment within the Republican party.
“Today’s action is overdue, but our work does not end here,” he concluded. “Trust in American resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding and restocking the arsenal of democracy doesn’t just happen by magic.”