House Votes to Approve $95 Billion in Foreign Aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan
The House of Representatives made a historic decision on Saturday, voting to approve $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Speaker Mike Johnson took a bold stand to push through the aid package, rallying support from both mainstream Republicans and Democrats.
In a series of consecutive votes, bipartisan coalitions in Congress approved funding for the three U.S. allies, along with a provision that could potentially lead to a nationwide ban on TikTok. The legislation includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and humanitarian aid for conflict zones, as well as $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific region.
The House floor was a mix of emotions, with Democrats waving Ukrainian flags and hard-right Republicans jeering as the vote on assistance for Kyiv took place. The bill also includes measures to sell off frozen Russian assets to support the Ukrainian war effort and impose new sanctions on Iran.
President Biden praised the bipartisan effort, stating that the legislation advances national security interests and demonstrates American leadership on the world stage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to lawmakers for passing the aid bill, emphasizing the importance of democracy and freedom.
The decision to approve the aid package comes after months of uncertainty and political turmoil. Republicans, led by former President Donald Trump, initially opposed the aid, linking it to stringent immigration measures. However, Speaker Johnson defied the hard-line contingent within his party and worked with Democrats to secure the funding.
The vote in favor of aid to Ukraine was 311 to 112, with bipartisan support for Israel and Taiwan as well. The Senate is expected to pass the legislation soon, sending it to President Biden for approval. The aid package is seen as crucial in supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression and strengthening ties with key allies in the region.
