Republicans in the Senate are at odds as they review a request from President Biden to pass a $106 billion national security package. Though the package has received bipartisan support, it’s still missing the Senate votes it needs to pass.
The national security package includes:
- $61 billion for Ukraine.
- $14 billion for Israel.
- $10 billion for humanitarian aid split among Gaza, Israel and Ukraine.
- $14 billion towards security on the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Roughly $7 billion to U.S. submarines and foreign financing.
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In order for the package to clear the Senate filibuster and pass, it needs the support of all Democrats and at least nine Republicans.
In an interview on Fox News, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R, said the addition of border support may help sway some Republicans.
“Most of my members believe we need something credible on the border as well.” McConnell said. “I mean, if we’re going to accept the financial responsibility of helping our allies, we want to do something to help ourselves. So we’ll give this supplemental request a serious look and probably recommend some changes as well.”
However, some Republicans say the package should not be a catch-all deal. Several are in favor of scrapping the package altogether and having each request brought forward individually.
Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, appeared on “The Sean Hannity Show” and gave his opinion.
“Whatever your view, Sean, is on Ukraine, it is a separate country and a separate problem,” Vance said. “I think what the president did was completely disgraceful. If he wants to sell the American people on $60 billion more to Ukraine, he shouldn’t use dead Israeli children to do it. It was disgusting.”
Some Republicans are hesitant about the $10 billion included for humanitarian aid in Israel, Ukraine and Gaza. Senators have raised concern that the money sent to Gaza could end up in the hands of Hamas.
The GOP used the same argument it used against the $6 billion in Iranian assets that the U.S. unfroze as part of a prisoner swap — that money is fungible.
Supporters of the aid package say there are reasonable threats posed by Russia, Iran and China, which is why U.S. support and funding is needed in Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
Senators are getting a head start debating the package. The House of Representatives will also have to vote on it for any version of the aid package to pass.
