US House of Representatives Approves $95 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, Threatens TikTok Ban

The US House of Representatives has approved a massive aid package totaling $95 billion for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as a bill threatening to ban TikTok. The package, which now moves to the Senate for consideration, includes significant funding for each country.

For Ukraine, the majority of the funds, nearly $61 billion, are designated for the country’s war effort against the Russian invasion. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been urging Congress to provide this support, emphasizing that without it, Ukraine may lose the war. The bill includes $14 billion for training, equipping, and financing the Ukrainian army, as well as $10 billion in forgivable loans for economic and budgetary support.

Israel, a long-standing ally of the United States, will receive $13 billion in military assistance to combat Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Part of this funding will go towards strengthening Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, with an additional $9 billion allocated for humanitarian assistance in Gaza and other vulnerable populations worldwide.

In addition, the aid package includes $8 billion to counter China, with investments in submarine infrastructure and competition with Chinese projects in developing countries. Taiwan will also receive funding for weapons to bolster its defense against China’s claims on the self-ruled island.

Furthermore, a separate bill passed on Saturday would require TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company ByteDance or face a nationwide ban in the US. Concerns have been raised about TikTok’s ties to Beijing and its potential for spreading propaganda, allegations that the company and Beijing have denied.

Overall, the aid package reflects the US government’s commitment to supporting its allies and countering strategic threats in the region. The Senate is expected to take up the bill for further consideration as early as Tuesday.