The Senate made a historic move on Tuesday by passing a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, along with a provision that could potentially ban TikTok. This measure, which had been stalled for months, now heads to President Biden for his signature.
The bipartisan support for this aid package was overwhelming, with the House passing it by large margins over the weekend. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.4 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid for conflict zones like Gaza, and $8.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, the measure imposes new sanctions on Iran and requires the sale of TikTok by its Chinese owner or a ban on the app in the United States.
The aid package faced resistance from right-wing Republicans in Congress, who opposed the aid for Ukraine and demanded a severe border enforcement bill in exchange for their support. However, after Republicans, urged on by former President Donald J. Trump, rejected linking the aid to a border deal, the Senate passed the foreign assistance package in February and pressured the House to do the same.
Speaker Mike Johnson faced challenges in navigating the opposition within his party but ultimately found a way to move the aid package forward. The inclusion of the TikTok provision was seen as a way to appease conservatives concerned about national security risks associated with the app.
Overall, the passage of this aid package represents a significant step in providing support to countries in need and addressing national security concerns. President Biden is expected to sign the measure into law, solidifying the United States’ commitment to its allies and strategic interests.