Senate advances $95.3 billion Ukraine-Israel aid bill

The Senate’s standalone $95.3 billion foreign aid bill that would send funds to Israel, Ukraine, and other allies has passed a critical step. Senators voted during a rare Sunday, Feb. 12, session 67-27 to advance the bill, with 18 Republicans, including Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., joining Democrats.

“Today it’s no exaggeration to say that the eyes of the world are on the United States Senate,” McConnell said. “Our allies and partners are hoping that the indispensable nation, the leader of the free world, has the resolve to continue.”

The vote came after former President Donald Trump slammed the bill on his social media platform “Truth Social,” adding that “The United States of America should be ‘stupid’ no longer!” At a campaign rally in South Carolina on Saturday, Feb. 10, Trump said that he would not protect NATO allies from Russian attacks if they did not meet defense spending targets.

The choice facing the Senate is simple: Will we recommit to the American strength our allies crave and our adversaries fear? Or will we give those who wish us harm one more reason to question our resolve? We cannot afford to get this wrong.

Read my full remarks:…

— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) February 11, 2024

“From this point forward, are you listening U.S. Senate (?),” Trump wrote. “No money in the form of foreign aid should be given to any country unless it is done as a loan, not just a giveaway.”

The bill would see $60 billion go to Ukraine, $14 billion to Israel, $8 billion to Taiwan and Indo-Pacific partners, and nearly $10 billion for humanitarian aid for Gaza. A final vote in the Senate could come by Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Ukraine is dangerously low on supplies

If America doesn't send aid to Ukraine with this national security bill, Putin is all too likely to succeed

The only right answer to this threat is for the Senate to face it down unflinchingly, by passing this national security bill ASAP

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 11, 2024

The bill would then go to the Republican-led House, where the GOP has said any legislation would also need to address the migrant crisis at the U.S. southern border.