US Senate Passes $95 Billion Aid Bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan Amid Congressional Stalemate
The Senate of the United States has approved a significant aid package amounting to $95 billion, which includes $60 billion designated for Ukraine. This legislation now faces a crucial hurdle in the House of Representatives, where the Republican majority, heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump, holds a skeptical view towards the proposal. House Speaker Mike Johnson, an ally of Trump, has suspended House operations, leaving the future of the bill uncertain.
In a bid to mobilize support, President Joe Biden convened a meeting with congressional leaders at the White House. During this discussion, he expressed the grave implications of delaying military assistance to Ukraine, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The congressional recess ended, with representatives returning to work, coinciding with a joint appeal to Johnson from the speakers of parliaments from 23 countries, alongside Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, urging consideration of the proposed aid for Ukraine.
Responding to these calls, Johnson indicated that discussions regarding Ukraine’s assistance would take place after the government funding issues are resolved. He assured that the House is assessing all available options, promising to revisit the matter once appropriations for the government are reinstated.
Additionally, the Senate has passed a temporary funding bill to avert a government shutdown, just in time to meet critical deadlines. However, discussions surrounding Ukraine’s assistance have been postponed once again.
Amid this legislative impasse, the Biden administration is reportedly exploring urgent military aid to Ukraine from military reserves. According to sources cited by The New York Times, this proposal is currently under review at the White House. The Pentagon possesses the authority to transfer approximately $4 billion worth of weaponry from its inventory to Ukraine. This move is seen as a stopgap measure designed to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities while Congress works through its extended deadlock to authorize a larger military aid package.
As geopolitical tensions persist, the unfolding situation underscores the complexities of legislative processes and the critical need for support to allied nations in conflict.
