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

Washington

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is 'at war' following a surprise attack from Gaza by Hamas militants.

Israel-Gaza War

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a substantial $95 billion aid package aimed at supporting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The legislative package received broad bipartisan backing, despite substantial opposition from a section of Republican hardliners. This financial assistance is designed to bolster security measures for the beneficiary countries amid ongoing global tensions.

During the passage of the bill, some lawmakers demonstrated their support by cheering and waving Ukrainian flags. This legislative effort seeks to provide pivotal security assistance to nations currently facing significant geopolitical challenges. The package, having cleared the House, is now on its way to the Senate, where it is anticipated to pass given the Democratic majority's previous approval of a similar measure. The approval from the Senate would then advance the bill to President Joe Biden, who has expressed his intent to sign it into law.

The legislation, once enacted, will channel over $60 billion in aid to Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine expressed his gratitude towards House Speaker Mike Johnson for the assistance, emphasizing its importance in protecting lives and aspiring for a just resolution to the conflict instigated by Russia. Speaker Johnson highlighted the global adversarial actions of Russia, Iran, and China, underscoring the significance of the U.S.'s continued support against such aggressions.

However, the package has sparked controversy within the U.S. political landscape, particularly among Republicans. The final vote tally revealed a division, with 311 in favor and 112 against, showcasing a predominant opposition from the party's members, including notable figures like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Greene has been vocal in her criticism of Johnson's leadership, especially on this issue, threatening his position. In response to the U.S.'s decision, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the aid package, predicting it would exacerbate the situation in Ukraine and lead to more casualties.



U.S. passes $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid package

Some U.S. lawmakers cheered and waved Ukrainian flags as the House of Representatives passed a part of a $95 billion legislative package Saturday. The measure, which the House passed in its entirety, provides security assistance to the war-torn country, as well as Israel and Taiwan, over bitter objections from Republican hardliners. The legislation now proceeds to the Democratic-majority Senate, which passed a similar measure two months ago and is expected to pass this bill next week, sending it to President Joe Biden, who released a statement saying he will sign it into law. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked House Speaker Mike Johnson for the more than $60 billion of aid coming his way, saying it would protect lives and bring a just end to the war that Russian President Vladimir Putin must lose. Johnson, a Republican, agreed with that sentiment. Three of our primary adversaries, Russia and Iran and China, are working together, and they're being aggressors around the globe. If we turn our backs right now, the consequences could be devastating. So this afternoon, the House acted, and we sent over to the Senate, and it will be transmitted shortly, our supplemental national security legislation. The vote on passage of the Ukraine funding was 311 to 112, with a majority of Republicans opposing it, including far-right Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. She has taken steps that threaten to remove Johnson from office over this issue. I do not support Mike Johnson. He's already a lame duck. If we had the vote today in our conference, he would not be speaker today. While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the measure would further ruin Ukraine and result in more deaths in the conflict.

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