Article Summary –
Twenty-two Senate Republicans broke with the majority of their party to join Democrats in approving $95 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and allies in the Pacific region, indicating a split in the GOP’s stance on foreign policy. The approval of the measure has drawn criticism from former President Donald Trump and his allies, leading to broad GOP opposition. While the legislation was not favored by all Republicans, the ones who supported it emphasised the importance of national security and the belief that events in Ukraine, Israel, and the South Pacific significantly impact the United States.
22 Senate Republicans Break Party Lines on Foreign Policy
Taking a stance against a majority of their party and former President Donald Trump, 22 Senate Republicans joined Democrats to support a $95 billion military assistance bill. This indicates a growing foreign policy rift within the contemporary Republican Party.
The votes from these senators, primarily national security hawks and military veterans, helped to overcome several filibusters, allowing for the Senate’s approval of the aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Pacific allies.
“The common thread amongst us is national security,” stated Senator Jerry Moran, one of the 22 supporters. He underscored the importance of events in Ukraine, Israel, and the South Pacific to America’s national security.
Despite backlashes from Trump and his allies, five Republicans who initially resisted the bill eventually voted in its favor, although less than half of the 49 Republicans supported it.
Senators Jim Risch and Michael D. Crapo, despite their initial opposition, explained in a statement, “Although this legislation is not what we would have drafted, it is a strong bill that makes Idaho and America safer.”
Republican Leaders and Foreign Policy
The support from top Senate Republicans, Mitch McConnell and John Thune, along with Senators Joni Ernst and Shelley Moore Capito reflects the party’s division over foreign involvement, a notion encouraged by Trump.
McConnell has been a vocal proponent for aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of backing their efforts against Russian aggression. Senator Rand Paul, however, criticized the move, labeling it as “ludicrous” and potentially endangering national security.
Senators Supporting the Funding
Other supporters include former top Republican, Senator John Cornyn, and Charles E. Grassley, the Senate’s longest-serving Republican. Members of the Armed Services Committee, including Senators Roger Wicker, Mike Rounds, Kevin Cramer, Dan Sullivan, and Joni Ernst, backed the bill as well.
Mainstream Republicans and Appropriators
Susan Collins, senior Republican on the spending panel, and Lisa Murkowski were instrumental in pushing the aid among the Appropriations Committee members. Senators Mitt Romney, Bill Cassidy, and Thom Tillis, known to support bipartisan compromises, also backed the bill.
Despite a potential backlash, most supporters remained unfazed. “I slept like a baby last night,” Tillis noted, referring to his vote that overcame the filibuster by a majority of his Republican colleagues.
Here are the 22 Republicans who joined Democrats in voting for the bill: Shelley Moore Capito, Bill Cassidy, Kevin Cramer, Michael D. Crapo, Susan Collins, John Cornyn, Joni Ernst, Charles E. Grassley, John Hoeven, John Kennedy, Mitch McConnell, Jerry Moran, Lisa Murkowski, Jim Risch, Mitt Romney, Mike Rounds, Dan Sullivan, John Thune, Thom Tillis, Roger Wicker, and Todd Young.
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