The United States House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support has passed a $95 billion legislative package providing security assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, despite bitter objections from Republican hardliners.

Washington

The United States House of Representatives has approved a comprehensive $95 billion aid package with significant bipartisan support. This legislative package will extend security assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The passage of this bill comes amid marked opposition from a contingent of Republican hardliners.

The allocation of funds includes $61 billion dedicated to Ukraine. This decision symbolically reinforced with Ukrainian flags displayed on the House floor, reflects a commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts. However, it also sparked debate, with 112 Republicans voting against the proposal to provide financial and military assistance to the nation. Critics argue that the U.S. is faced with a false dichotomy between disengagement and uncritical support for Ukraine, questioning the strategic interests of such aid.

The distribution of funds extended further, with $17 billion allocated to Israel and $9 billion to Palestine. This part of the aid package resulted in divisive votes: 21 Republicans and 37 Democrats opposed the funding to Israel. Opposition voices particularly highlighted actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, questioning the wisdom of providing offensive weapons to Israel at this time. The critiques focus on Netanyahu's approach to the hostage situation and his response to U.S. and domestic appeals for restraint.

Amid concerns and critiques, the package also includes provisions aimed at supporting Taiwan with an $8 billion fund. Additionally, it encompasses measures to increase sanctions on Iran, enable the U.S. administration to seize Russian assets, and propose a ban on TikTok in the U.S. unless its Chinese ownership relinquishes control. These measures signify a robust approach towards addressing international dynamics and technological security concerns.

Following the House's approval, the legislation is anticipated to advance to the Senate for further approval. The expectation extends to the signing of the bill by President Joe Biden, which, according to Pentagon officials, would expedite the delivery of military support to Ukraine. 



U.S. House approves aid package for Ukraine, Israel

In word and deed, members of the U.S. House of Representatives sending the message with Ukrainian flags on the House floor that they support sending 61 billion dollars to Ukraine. A huge number of Republican members, 112, voted against giving money and weapons to Ukraine. You know, we have the false choice about the saying that Ukraine doesn't matter to America or support Ukraine with no question asked, with blank checks. And both these positions are not good in our national interest. The bill is passed. Sending 17 billion to Israel and 9 billion to the Palestinians proved divisive as well. It passed, but 21 Republicans voted no, along with 37 Democrats. The gentleman from Texas is recognizing... Many criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His actions have not led to the release of the remaining hostages. He's ignored the pleas of the families of hostages. He's ignored the pleas of the President of the United States. He's ignored his own people. He's engaged in self-preservation. We should not be sending offensive weapons to Israel right now. Activists are warning President Joe Biden that if he signs the legislation, he will pay a political price. This is taking away any leverage President Biden might have to get Netanyahu to pull back on invading Raqqa or killing more innocent people. 8 billion easily passed for Taiwan, and so did a bill that would allow the U.S. to increase sanctions on Iran, allow the Biden administration to seize Russian assets, and ban TikTok in the U.S. unless its Chinese owners sell the company. Now these bills go to the Senate, which is expected to pass them, and then the President is expected to sign it. Pentagon officials tell me that once it is signed, they can start getting weapons into Ukraine in a matter of days. Patty Culhane, Al Jazeera, Washington.

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