The Senate has approved a $95 billion foreign aid package, including funds for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bill also includes a provision forcing TikTok to be sold or face a ban in the U.S. Despite months of delays caused by Republican infighting, the bill received bipartisan support, with 10 senators changing their votes from the previous vote. Leaders from both parties praised the passage of the bill as a reaffirmation of America’s commitment to its allies and democracy around the world.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the message of defending democracy and standing with allies in need. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell claimed victory after months of trying to garner GOP support for the bill, stating that it signals a turn away from isolationism within the party. However, the Republican Party has not fully embraced this shift, as evident by the significant number of Republicans who voted against the bill in the House. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s position remains uncertain as far-right members push for his removal over spending and U.S. aid to Ukraine.
Despite not including provisions to strengthen security at the U.S.-Mexico border, more Republicans in the Senate supported the foreign aid package. Sen. Lindsey Graham emphasized the importance of assisting Ukraine in battling Russian invaders to prevent more significant U.S. engagement in the future. While most Democrats supported the bill, three senators, including Bernie Sanders, opposed it due to the approach to aid for Israel. Sanders expressed disappointment that his amendment to end unconditional aid to Israel was rejected.
The TikTok provision in the bill would ban the app unless divested from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Lawmakers from both parties view TikTok as a national security threat, fearing the Chinese government could exploit user data and spread propaganda. Former President Trump criticized Biden for potential TikTok ban, despite supporting a ban during his presidency. Although some Democrats have concerns about the provision, many support efforts to address the issue. Sen. Ben Cardin emphasized the unity within the Democratic Party on the bill, highlighting the toll of delays due to Republican infighting.
Overall, the approval of the foreign aid package signals a commitment to supporting allies and defending democracy. While there were challenges within the Republican Party and bipartisan disagreements on specific provisions, the bill ultimately passed with broad support. The focus on aiding Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as addressing national security concerns related to TikTok, reflects the ongoing efforts to protect American interests and maintain positive relationships with key partners.
