US House passes $95bn package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan

The US House of Representatives has approved a significant $95.34bn legislative package aimed at providing security assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.  

The House voted overwhelmingly to approve the supplemental security packages, with 366 votes to 58 for Ukraine, 311 to 112 for Israel and 385 to 34 for Taiwan. 

The Senate is poised to deliberate on the House-passed bill starting 23 April, with the final bill passage anticipated next week, enabling US President Joe Biden to enact the legislation. 

Out of the $95.34bn, the bill allocates $60.84bn to counter the conflict in Ukraine and assist US regional partners in countering Russia.  

It also includes $26.38bn to aid Israel in defending against threats from Iran and its proxies, and $8.12bn to counter China’s influence and ensure regional deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. 

The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, part of the package, designates $4bn for the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defence systems and provides $1.2bn for the Iron Beam system to counter short-range threats. 

A sum of $3.5bn has been allocated to support advanced weapons procurement, $1bn to boost artillery and munitions development, $4.4bn to replenish Israeli defence articles and services, and $2.4bn for current US military operations in the region. 

The bill also restricts funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency and provisions are included for the transfer of defence articles to Israel from US stockpiles abroad. 

The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 earmarks $2bn for Taiwan and allies through the foreign military financing programme to confront Chinese aggression.  

It allocates $3.3bn for submarine infrastructure development, $1.9bn to replenish defence articles and services for Taiwan and partners, $542m to bolster US military capabilities, and $133m for artillery and munitions production. 

Meanwhile, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 includes $23.2bn for replenishing US weapons, stocks and facilities, and an equal amount for defence articles and services provided to Ukraine.  

It also provides $11.3bn for current US military operations, $13.8bn for advanced weapons procurement and $26m for oversight and accountability of aid to Ukraine, including in-person monitoring and cost-matching requirements for partners and allies. 

In related news, the Netherlands pledged more than €200m ($213m) during a NATO-Ukraine Council meeting to expedite delivery of air defence and artillery ammunition to Ukraine.