The House on Saturday was in the process of advancing a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Speaker Mike Johnson took a bold step to push forward the long-stalled legislation, even putting his own position at risk in the face of opposition from within his own party.
Separate Votes for Aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan
Lawmakers were expected to hold separate votes on aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Additionally, another bill was set to be voted on, including provisions for a potential national ban on TikTok and new sanctions on Iran. A fourth bill was introduced to appeal to conservatives.
Coalition Building and Passage Expectations
Speaker Johnson structured the measures in a way to attract diverse support, ensuring that each piece is approved individually before being combined into one comprehensive bill. The aid packages for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan are anticipated to pass with strong support. The Senate is poised to swiftly take up the legislation for final approval, sending it to President Biden for enactment.
Details of the Aid Package
The $95 billion package includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and humanitarian aid for conflict zones like Gaza. An additional $8 billion is allocated for the Indo-Pacific region. Notably, the legislation requires the president to seek repayment of $10 billion from Ukraine, with the option to forgive the loans starting in 2026.
Former President Donald J. Trump’s preference for aid to Ukraine in the form of a loan influenced this stipulation. The bill reflects bipartisan support for assisting Ukraine in its conflict against Russian forces, while also highlighting the political risks taken to secure passage.
