WASHINGTON – The House passed a significant $95 billion aid package on Saturday, comprising two crucial bills aimed at providing $60.8 billion in aid to Ukraine and $26 billion in aid to Israel. The bipartisan effort saw overwhelming support for the measures, with the Ukraine aid bill passing with 311 votes in favor, 112 against, and one present vote.
Lawmakers showed strong support for the Ukraine bill, some even waving Ukrainian flags and cheering upon its passage. The bill received a mix of support from both Republicans and Democrats, with 101 Republicans and 210 Democrats voting in favor, while all 112 votes against it came from Republicans. The Israel aid bill also garnered broad approval, passing with a vote of 366-58, with a majority of support from both parties.
The passage of these bills follows the Senate’s approval of a comprehensive aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, along with funding for border security. Speaker Mike Johnson opted to pass three separate bills, each focusing on aid for a specific nation, rather than the combined package approved by the Senate weeks earlier.
The Ukraine aid bill holds particular importance amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the urgent need for weapons and supplies to defend the country against Russian aggression. President Joe Biden and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell commended the House for passing the foreign aid bills, highlighting the bipartisan effort to demonstrate American leadership on the global stage.
In addition to the aid for Ukraine and Israel, the House also approved measures to force TikTok’s parent company to sell the platform or face a nationwide ban, and to provide $8.12 billion in aid to Taiwan. The bills now move to the Senate for further consideration, where they are expected to undergo review and potential revisions before reaching President Biden’s desk for final approval.
Amidst the legislative actions, Speaker Mike Johnson faced internal opposition from conservative members of the GOP who opposed Ukraine funding. Following the bill’s passage, threats to remove Johnson as speaker surfaced from some Republican representatives. Despite internal challenges, Johnson aligned with the majority in support of aiding Ukraine, stressing the critical importance of assisting the country in its defense against Russian aggression.
The Senate is now tasked with reviewing the comprehensive aid package passed by the House before it can be signed into law by President Biden. Senate leaders have expressed support for the foreign aid provisions, emphasizing the urgency of providing assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and other nations facing threats to their security. The timeline for Senate consideration and final approval remains uncertain, but the momentum behind the aid package signals a united effort to strengthen American alliances and safeguard global interests.