Washington, D.C. – The Senate is currently working on passing a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill that includes assistance for Ukraine and Israel. However, GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is utilizing complex chamber rules to slow down the process, potentially extending the final vote into the weekend. The bill cleared a critical 60-vote threshold to advance, but without a unanimous agreement to expedite the process, it is expected that the Senate will continue working through the weekend with a final vote scheduled for next week.
Paul has expressed his determination to stay in the Senate for as long as it takes, emphasizing the importance of discussing why the border of Ukraine is being prioritized over the US border. Meanwhile, senators are engaged in negotiations over amendments to the package, including the number, type, and voting requirements for each amendment.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is pushing for a time agreement to accelerate the process, urging Republican colleagues to work together to reach an agreement on amendments. Despite initial Republican demands for border security to be included in the bill, the Senate is now moving forward with the foreign aid package after Republicans blocked a broader bill that would have combined foreign aid with a bipartisan border deal.
The foreign aid bill includes billions of dollars to support Ukraine and provide security assistance for Israel, as well as humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Ukraine. With the bill also earmarking funds for regional partners in the Indo-Pacific region, Senate Republicans are divided over the package, with some advocating for amendments related to immigration and border policy.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell emphasized the necessity of passing the foreign aid package, arguing that it will not only provide assistance to allies like Israel but also boost American defense production and the economy. Overall, the bill allocates more than 75% of its funding for investments within the United States, according to McConnell.
The Senate is expected to continue debating and voting on the foreign aid package, with a final vote anticipated next week. If passed by the Senate, the bill will then move to the House for further consideration, raising questions about when or whether a vote will be held due to opposition from many House Republicans. This ongoing debate in the Senate highlights the complex negotiations and differing perspectives on foreign aid and national priorities.