The Senate is working on a major foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel, totaling $95 billion in aid. This package includes aid for Ukraine, support for Israel, humanitarian aid for Gaza, and assistance for allies in the Indo-Pacific. It also includes provisions for the sale of frozen assets of Russian oligarchs and potential measures related to TikTok in the U.S. The Senate is expected to pass the package and send it to the president’s desk later in the week, following a long process filled with disputes and delays.
The push for foreign aid has been ongoing since last fall, with the White House and Congress prioritizing the approval of the aid. There have been months of disagreements and efforts by Republicans to push for more favorable outcomes from the administration. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy initially tied Ukraine aid to border security measures, causing a delay in the approval process. Bipartisan negotiations eventually led to an aid package that included border security provisions, but it was rejected by Republicans at the insistence of former President Donald Trump.
The Senate passed a package that excluded immigration components, as the Senate-negotiated foreign aid and border security legislation lacked Republican support. Speaker Mike Johnson refused to bring it to the House floor and the lower chamber found its own path forward, ultimately approving the funds in a package that resembled the Senate-passed foreign aid. The urgency for aid escalated after an airstrike by Iran against Israel and shortages in Ukraine during its war with Russia. Despite opposition from far-right conservatives, the aid was deemed critically important by Johnson, who appeared to have a change of heart on the issue.
The Senate is expected to quickly move the foreign aid package through the chamber this week with bipartisan support. While potential threats to slow its approval exist from Senators like Rand Paul and concerns about the TikTok provision, Democrats and a significant portion of Republicans are likely to back the package. The Senate previously approved a similar foreign aid package in February on a bipartisan basis, and the eagerness to address the urgent needs of allies across the world will likely drive support for the current package. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated readiness to pass the bill soon, following the House’s approval.
Overall, the process of securing foreign aid for Ukraine and Israel has been complex and marred by delays and disagreements. The aid package includes significant provisions, such as support for Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian aid for Gaza, and measures related to Russian oligarchs and TikTok. Despite challenges and potential opposition in the Senate, bipartisan support is expected to drive the approval of the aid package this week. The urgency of the situation in Ukraine and Israel has led to a swift response from Congress, with both chambers taking action to ensure that critical aid reaches those in need.
