US Senate approves $95B foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan
US Senate approves $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. President Biden to sign citing urgent needs
In a long-awaited bipartisan vote of 79-18, the U.S. Senate approved a package of $95 billion in foreign aid to support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden's desk for his expected signature.
Biden has promised to sign the bill as soon as he receives it, citing urgent needs such as Ukraine facing continued Russian aggression, Israel recovering from recent Iranian attacks, and global humanitarian crises in places like Gaza, Sudan and Haiti.
Among the key provisions of the bill are $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.6 billion for Israel and $8 billion for Indo-Pacific allies to counter Chinese influence. Some $9.1 billion is also earmarked for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza.
It also includes measures targeting TikTok's Chinese owner, requiring him to divest the social media app to avoid a possible U.S. ban.
Not all senators supported the bill, however. Bernie Sanders, an independent senator, voiced his opposition, calling the passage of the bill a “black day” due to concerns over the allocation of funds to the Netanyahu government in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On the other hand, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairperson Ben Cardin hailed the passage of the bill as “a great victory for democracy and international unity” and lamented the delay caused by partisan disagreements.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer underlined the importance of the bill and expressed America's commitment to defending democracy around the world.
Source: AA
