Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives recently approved a series of foreign aid bills that allocate significant sums to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan along with other Indo-Pacific allies. The bills, totaling $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.4 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for Taiwan and the region, passed in Congress over the weekend.
A separate bill was also passed, aiming to force the sale of TikTok while imposing tough sanctions on Iran, China, and Russia. Additionally, an amendment to the bill requires the Treasury Department to report on Iranian assets and sanction exemptions.
These bills will now head to the Senate as a bundled package. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed that the Senate is scheduled to deliberate on the bills later in the coming week.
Particularly noteworthy was the $8 billion in security aid approved for the Indo-Pacific region, which includes Taiwan. The bill passed with overwhelming support in the House, with only one member voting present.
In addition, the House passed a foreign aid bill for Ukraine by a vote of 311-112-1 and the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act by a vote of 366-58. During the voting process, Democratic representatives briefly waved Ukrainian flags, prompting House Speaker Mike Johnson to remind them that flag-waving on the floor is prohibited.
President Joe Biden expressed gratitude to the House members for passing the aid package for Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing the critical importance of the support for these nations in the current geopolitical climate. Biden called on the Senate to swiftly move the package forward for his signature, highlighting the urgent need to provide weapons and equipment to Ukraine.
The passing of the aid bills was met with appreciation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Zelenskyy commended the bipartisan support behind the bill, acknowledging the significant impact it would have in stabilizing the situation and saving lives.
However, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s leadership and decision-making regarding foreign aid have sparked controversy within the Republican Party, with some members expressing dissatisfaction and going as far as threatening a motion to oust him. The tension among far-right members poses a challenge to Johnson’s speakership, as some members call for his resignation due to disagreements over priorities such as immigration and border security.
As discussions continue on the fate of Speaker Johnson, attention shifts to potential measures within the party to address internal divisions and maintain cohesion on critical legislative matters. The outcome of these dynamics could influence future decision-making and leadership in the House going forward.