Senate Nears Passage of $95.34 Billion Aid Bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan
Senate Advances Bill with $95.34 Billion in Aid
The U.S. Senate moved a step closer to passing a bill that includes $95.34 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The legislation faced Republican opposition in both chambers of Congress, making its path to becoming law uncertain.
Senate Votes to Fast-Track Legislation
The Senate voted 64-19 to advance the bill, with 14 Republicans supporting the measure. This vote is part of a series of preliminary votes that could extend into next week, unless party leaders can reach an agreement with lawmakers to expedite the bill. Lawmakers expect to take the next procedural step in a rare Sunday session.
Republican Opposition and Amendments
Many Republicans want to negotiate with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to allow amendments to the legislation in exchange for quicker action. However, some Republicans reject the bill’s $61 billion in Ukraine aid and have vowed to delay consideration by imposing time-consuming parliamentary rules.
Uncertainty in the House of Representatives
If the legislation passes the Senate, it faces an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated he could split the aid into separate bills. The House recently rejected a stand-alone aid bill for Israel.
Republicans’ Stance on Ukraine Aid
Republicans had initially demanded that Ukraine aid be accompanied by provisions to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. However, when a bipartisan border agreement was proposed, it was rejected after former President Donald Trump came out against the deal. Some lawmakers now hope to offer their own amendments to address immigration issues.
Challenges and Negotiations
The bill’s journey through Congress highlights the challenges of negotiating aid packages and the complexities of bipartisan cooperation. The evolving nature of the legislation reflects the ongoing negotiations and debates among lawmakers.
