The Senate approved a $95.3 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan after months of being stalled in Congress. The bipartisan legislation passed 79 to 18, reflecting widespread support in both parties.
To overcome opposition from right-wing Republicans in the House, Speaker Mike Johnson used a strategic plan to break the package into three pieces for each country and added a fourth bill including new sanctions on Iran and a measure to require the sale of TikTok by its Chinese owner or ban it in the United States. After passage, all four bills were combined into one and sent to the Senate.
The aid package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, with a focus on military funding to replenish defense stockpiles and purchase U.S. defense systems. The House added a provision for the Biden administration to send more American-made missiles to Kyiv.
Israel will receive $26.4 billion for military aid, including replenishing defense systems like the Iron Dome, and $9 billion for worldwide humanitarian aid, including support for civilians in Gaza. Taiwan and other allies in the Indo-Pacific region will receive $8.1 billion to counter China.
Additionally, a sweetener bill was added by the House, redirecting funds from seized Russian assets to offset aid to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Iranian and Russian officials. It also includes legislation to force the parent company of TikTok to sell the platform or face a ban in the U.S.
President Biden is expected to sign the bill on Wednesday, marking a significant step in providing crucial aid to these countries.