Ukraine-Israel Aid Bill Progresses Amid GOP’s Demand for Changes

The Senate advanced an emergency aid bill for Ukraine and Israel, with a vote of 67-32. The bill plans to provide $60.1 billion for Ukraine, $14.1 billion for Israel, and $10 billion in humanitarian aid for global conflict zones. However, some Republicans are still withholding support demanding changes to the package.

Despite progress in the Senate, the legislation faces resistance in the House, where many Republicans are opposed. Internal squabbling among Republicans over amendments and political implications is also slowing down the process. Some Republican senators are supporting the aid package while others are taking a stand against it, citing concerns about not exacting a political price from Democrats in an election year.

Among the amendments being proposed by Republicans are border restrictions, changes to the Flores settlement agreement which limits the detention period for children, and scaling back humanitarian aid. Democrats, on the other hand, have proposed changes such as requiring recipients of security aid to comply with U.S. law, international humanitarian law, and the laws of armed conflict, and to not obstruct efforts to provide humanitarian aid to civilians.

Progress on Emergency Aid Bill for Ukraine and Israel in the Senate

The Senate is gradually advancing the emergency aid bill for Ukraine and Israel, despite multiple setbacks and internal feuds among Republicans over backing the bill. The Senate gave bipartisan support to advance the bill with a 67 to 32 vote. The proposed legislation includes $60.1 billion for Ukraine, $14.1 billion for Israel, and $10 billion for humanitarian aid globally. However, many Republicans are withholding support, demanding changes to the package.

Senate Consideration and Challenges in the House

Senate consideration of the aid bill could take days, with leaders from both parties working through disputes over the weekend. If passed in the Senate, the legislation will face challenges in the House due to strong opposition from a large group of Republicans. However, Thursday’s action suggests a possible path towards Congressional approval for the aid package that has been stalled for several months.

Reaction from Ukraine’s President and Senate Republicans

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the vote as a “very important first step to continue support for Ukraine’s victory and increase our shared security,” in a social media post. On the other hand, Senate Republicans are insisting on adding border restrictions to the package and are currently debating the changes they want.

Republican Discord over the Aid Bill

The slow progress on the bill highlights the discord within the Republican party, especially on addressing international crises. Some Republicans are supportive of aiding Ukraine against the Russian invasion, while others are adamantly opposed. Some in support of the aid are concerned about the political implications of doing so without extracting concessions from Democrats, given former President Trump’s opposition to backing Ukraine’s war effort.

Opposition from Key Republicans

Despite their support for aid to Ukraine, some Republicans, including Senators Lindsey Graham and James Lankford, continue to withhold their backing. In particular, Lankford had negotiated a bipartisan deal pairing Ukraine funding with border security measures – a trade-off Republicans had demanded – only for it to be rejected by Republicans on Wednesday.

Border-Related Amendments and Democratic Changes

Republicans have proposed several border-related amendments, including measures reflecting Lankford’s border deal and a stringent immigration enforcement bill. On the other hand, nearly 20 Democratic senators have endorsed a proposal requiring security aid recipients to comply with U.S. law, international humanitarian law, and the laws of armed conflict.

Opposition and Delay Tactics

Some Republicans, regardless of the changes made to the bill, will oppose the measure. Others, such as Senator Rand Paul, have threatened to delay the passing of the bill as much as possible, arguing that the U.S. should focus on its own problems before sending money elsewhere.

—
Read More USA News