The House of Representatives approved a $60.8 billion package of aid for Ukraine, ending a long process that began in September of the previous year. The vote was overwhelmingly bipartisan, with 210 Democrats and 101 House Republicans in favor. The final tally was 311-112, with no Democrats voting against the aid. The bill also includes military aid for Israel, Taiwan, and other Asian allies, as well as measures such as the confiscation of Russian assets in the U.S. and requiring TikTok to divest its U.S. operations.
The bill now heads to the Senate, which passed a similar package in February. President Joe Biden has indicated he will sign the bill once it clears Congress. The Senate vote in February had 70 backers, and opponents of the aid to Ukraine may try to delay the passage. The aid package was originally caught up in a standoff between Republicans and Democrats, with attempts to tie it to border security. Eventually, Republican and Democratic senators tried to negotiate a bipartisan deal, but it fell apart due to opposition from then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.
House Speaker Mike Johnson reversed course on Ukraine aid following Iran’s attack on Israel, stating that he would rather send bullets to Ukraine than have American troops involved. The vote on Saturday saw House Democrats waving small Ukrainian flags on the floor, angering some Republicans who argued that it violated decorum. The episode highlighted divisions between the parties on issues such as border security and foreign aid priorities. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the focus on Ukraine while neglecting border security.
To overcome opposition from immigration hardliners within his own party, Johnson worked with Democrats to advance the aid package. This decision could have consequences for Johnson’s leadership within the party, as Greene and other Republicans have called for a vote on his position as speaker. Ukrainian officials have blamed Congress’ delays for recent losses on the battlefield, as Russian forces have advanced. The delay in providing aid may have emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has increased attacks on Ukraine amid other international conflicts.
Overall, the aid package for Ukraine was seen as a necessary measure to support the country in its ongoing conflict against Russian aggression. The bipartisan support in the House, with Democrats and some Republicans backing the bill, reflected a commitment to assisting Ukraine in its time of need. The aid also demonstrated a broader U.S. foreign policy approach that includes support for allies such as Israel and Taiwan. The bill’s passage marked a significant step in providing assistance to Ukraine and addressing regional security challenges.
