The U.S. House of Representatives is pushing swiftly through a series of votes in a rare Saturday session to approve $95 billion US in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies, with Democrats and Republicans joining together after a gruelling months-long fight over renewed American support for repelling Russia’s invasion.
With overwhelming support, the House approved the Ukraine portion, a $61-billion US aid package, in a strong showing of American backing as lawmakers race to deliver a fresh round of U.S. support to the war-torn ally. Some lawmakers cheered, waving blue-and-yellow flags of Ukraine.
The $26-billion package aiding Israel and providing humanitarian relief to citizens of Gaza also easily cleared. Each segment of the aid package faced an up-or-down vote. A national security bill that includes a provision forcing sale of the popular platform TikTok was quickly approved, as was another supporting Indo-Pacific allies.
The unusual process is allowing unique coalitions to form around the bills, pushing them forward. The whole package will go to the U.S. Senate, where passage in the coming days is nearly assured. U.S. President Joe Biden has promised to sign it immediately.
“The eyes of the world are upon us, and history will judge what we do here and now,” said Rep. Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House foreign affairs committee.
Republican hardliners oppose Ukraine aid
The weekend scene presented a striking display of congressional action after months of dysfunction and stalemate fuelled by Republicans, who hold the majority but are deeply split over foreign aid, particularly for Ukraine as it fights Russia’s invasion.
Speaker Mike Johnson, putting his job on the line, is relying on Democratic support to ensure the military and humanitarian package is approved and that help flows to the U.S. allies.
Rep. Bob Good, chair of the hardline House Freedom Caucus, told reporters on Friday that the bills represent a “slide down into the abyss of greater fiscal crisis and America-last policies that reflect Biden and [Senate Majority Leader Chuck] Schumer and [House Minority Leader Hakeem]Â Jeffries, and don’t reflect the American people.”
But Republican presidential contender Donald Trump, who carries huge influence in the party, on April 12 voiced support for Johnson and in a Thursday social media post said Ukraine’s survival is important for the U.S.
The bills provide $60.84 billion to address the conflict in Ukraine, including $23 billion to replenish U.S. weapon stocks and facilities; $26 billion for Israel, including $9.1 billion for humanitarian needs; and $8.12 billion for the Indo-Pacific.
