Washington, D.C. – The Senate passed a $95 billion aid package on Tuesday that will provide critical assistance to Ukraine and potentially lead to a nationwide ban on TikTok. The bipartisan vote of 79-18 sends the bill to the White House for President Biden’s swift enactment.
President Biden expressed his commitment to signing the bill into law promptly in order to begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine within the week. The aid package not only includes $60 billion in assistance to Ukraine to support its efforts against Russia but also allocates $26 billion in aid to Israel and humanitarian relief in Gaza, with an additional $8 billion designated for security in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region.
Furthermore, the bill includes a provision that gives TikTok’s parent company from China nine months, extendable to a year by the president, to sell the popular social media platform or face a ban in the United States. This move brings TikTok closer to a potential prohibition, ensuring that any ban won’t be enforced until after the 2024 election.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed the passage of the bill as a signal to the world that the United States stands in solidarity with its allies and will not turn its back on them. On the other hand, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell emphasized the importance of the aid package, marking a pivotal shift away from isolationism and towards supporting countries in need. McConnell attributed the delay in passing the bill to figures like Tucker Carlson and former President Donald Trump, who had differing views on providing aid to Ukraine.
President Biden’s administration strategically pushed for the passage of the bill by focusing on substance over politics, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine’s security and the national security risks for the U.S. in case of inaction. White House counselor Stephen Ricchetti highlighted Biden’s role in navigating the negotiations and getting the bill across the finish line.
Two months ago, the Senate passed a similar foreign aid package without the TikTok provision. However, this time around, the Senate was receptive to including the ban on TikTok as part of the bill. Advocates for banning the app in the U.S. cite concerns about data privacy and national security risks associated with TikTok’s parent company based in Beijing.
Despite some opposition, the bill passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, making it a landmark piece of legislation that reflects America’s commitment to its allies and the global community. With President Biden’s imminent signing of the bill into law, the stage is set for potential legal challenges, particularly regarding the ban on TikTok.