Published on February 12, 2024, 1:25 am

A significant legislative development occurred on Friday as the Senate continued its sessions to consider a $95.3 billion aid package. Should it pass, this package would allocate $14.1 billion in military aid to Israel, provide $61 billion to Ukraine, and deliver an additional $8 billion to Taiwan – with this bill clearing one of many preliminary tests in recent days.

The proposed budget comes on the back of some upheaval regarding a prior bipartisan border bill strongly supported by Republicans, which contained most of the funding now being considered in this new proposal. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has emphasized his dedication to seeing these proceedings through until their conclusion; stating that he would accept amendments to the aid package while keeping the Senate convened “until the job is done.”

However, it is expected that Senator Rand Paul and other Republican colleagues may seek to leverage this allowed amendment process with aims to either weaken the proposed legislation or even dismantle it entirely. Recognizing this potential tactic, Schumer is expected to set limitations upon how many amendments can be offered for consideration.

Major components within this proposed aid package are geared towards assisting Ukraine militarily. With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy having personally visited Congress last December calling for support, provisions have been made for offering up $60 billion (of the total designated for Ukraine) towards acquiring U.S.-made defense equipment such as munitions and air defense systems. These pieces of equipment are critical needs as Ukraine seeks resilience against Russian attacks.

“Rebuilding the arsenal of democracy”, as described by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell regarding another function of this funding, will display American resolve and power to both allies and adversaries alike.

On a different note though, liberal Senators such as Bernie Sanders have articulated objections towards portions of the Israeli aid package – which he asserts would further enable Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military campaigns in Gaza.

Accompanying these legislative discussions were moves from Sen. Chris Van Hollen and other Democrats who secured a national security memorandum with the Biden administration. This is an attempt to ensure the application of U.S. aid adheres to international and humanitarian laws.

The final vote on this proposed bill could occur as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, following a series of procedural votes to navigate.

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