Article Summary –
President Biden is set to sign a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, marking a significant legislative accomplishment amid congressional gridlock. The package was approved by the Senate with a 79-to-18 vote and includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.4 billion for Israel, and $8.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific region, along with sanctions against Russian and Iranian officials. However, the package also includes a provision requiring the Ukrainian government to repay $10 billion, reflecting former President Trump’s influence on Congress.
President Biden’s $95.3 Billion Aid Package to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan
President Biden is poised to sign a monumental $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, strengthening U.S. support for Kyiv amidst Russia’s military offensive. This action follows the resolution of several months of congressional deadlock that threatened the White House’s foreign policy.
The Senate displayed bipartisan support as it approved the package on Tuesday night with a 79-to-18 vote. Biden viewed this as a legislative accomplishment despite the presence of an obstructionist House.
“By passing my legislation, Congress fortifies our national security and asserts American leadership: We stand firmly for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression,” said Biden on Tuesday evening.
Biden confirmed that he would sign the bill into law and address the American people on Wednesday, enabling the commencement of weapon and equipment shipments to Ukraine this week.
White House’s Request for Security Package Approval
The request for the security package was initially made by the White House in October. The six-month delay conceded an advantage to Russia in the Ukrainian conflict, an issue the administration openly recognizes.
Despite the delay, the passing of the aid package marks a significant development in Washington. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.4 billion for Israel, including humanitarian aid for conflict zones, and $8.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific region, along with sanctions against Iranian and Russian officials.
Deal Negotiations and Political Influence
Speaker Mike Johnson faced stiff opposition from the right wing but managed to help the aid bill pass through the House. The aid is portioned into four segments with portions dedicated to each of the three U.S. allies and another aimed at conservatives, potentially resulting in a nationwide TikTok ban.
In a demonstration of former President Donald J. Trump’s influence over Congress, the House integrated a clause requiring the Ukrainian government to repay $10 billion of the aid. The notion of a portion of aid to Ukraine as a loan was at Trump’s insistence.
Despite several attempts over six months to strike a deal with Mr. Johnson, the White House faced complications due to changing border restriction requirements and political opposition. Yet, when the Senate passed its $95 billion emergency aid legislation without immigration measures, the pressure on Mr. Johnson intensified.
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