The US Senate Is Pushing Past Far-right Objections to Aiding Ukraine, but Next Steps Are Uncertain
Washington, Feb 10 – The US Senate is making strides in its effort to provide substantial support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, despite opposition from far-right Republicans. Senators are working through the weekend on a USD 95.3 billion military package for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies, which could be President Joe Biden’s last chance for now to deliver significant American assistance.
Late-night voting on Friday allowed senators to advance to the next steps, overcoming objections from a core group of Republicans who are more closely aligned with former President Donald Trump, the GOP’s presidential front-runner. These Republican senators do not prioritize stopping Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has expressed his willingness to amend the package in order to gain more support, but he also issued a warning to the senators that they would stay in session until the job is done.
Even if the foreign aid package passes in the Senate with possible Sunday voting, it still faces an uncertain future in the House. In that chamber, the Republican majority is even more hostile to assisting Ukraine as the war enters its second year.
Although attendance dwindled on Friday night, the bill was advanced with a vote of 64-19, with 14 Republicans joining Democrats in favor of moving it forward.
The comprehensive bill includes USD 14.1 billion in military aid for Israel in its war with Hamas, USD 8 billion for Taiwan and Indo-Pacific partners to counter China, and USD 9.2 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, among other provisions. After a separate US border security deal collapsed when Republicans rejected it, the bill, which had stalled for weeks, is now on track for passage in the days ahead.
At the heart of the package lies the military aid for Ukraine, whose President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has personally visited Congress to plea for help, including a whirlwind trip in December. With shortages on the battlefield, the package would furnish USD 60 billion for Ukraine, primarily for the purchase of US-made defense equipment such as munitions and air defense systems that the country desperately needs due to the battering by Russia. The package also includes USD 8 billion for the Kyiv government and other forms of assistance.
During a conversation with the German chancellor on Friday at the White House, President Biden expressed dismay at the possibility of the US Congress failing to support Ukraine, calling it close to criminal neglect. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed his concerns and emphasized that Ukraine would have no chance to defend itself without the support of the United States and European states.
The resistance from Republicans to assisting Ukraine has been an intensifying and stunning reversal for a party that was once defined by its strong foreign policy. In the era of Trump, the GOP has embraced a more isolationist approach, mirroring his America First agenda and adopting an ambivalent attitude toward Putin’s aggression.
In a crucial vote on Thursday, 17 Republican senators agreed to initiate a debate on the bill, while 31 voted against it.
Our job first and foremost is to protect this country, said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, a leading opponent, in a Friday night speech.
Despite his criticisms of Biden’s handling of Ukraine and other national security issues, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is determined to push the national security package forward, surpassing the isolationists in his party. McConnell has visited Kyiv and hosted President Zelenskyy at the Capitol to underscore the importance of investing in allies and replenishing the US industrial base that manufactures the weaponry being used to counter Russia.
This is about rebuilding the arsenal of democracy and demonstrating to our allies and adversaries alike that we’re serious about exercising American strength, McConnell explained.
During Friday night’s floor debate, Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, a former Marine, emphasized that most of the funds would be used to build weapons and ammunition in states across the US, providing thousands of American jobs.
Senators expressed frustration that Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was slowing down progress with time-consuming procedural steps, which often happens to register opposition.
To garner political support, the Senate leaders removed some economic assistance for Ukraine, which many Republican senators objected to, delegating that responsibility to European Union allies who recently approved their aid package despite political opposition.
Although the inclusion of aid to Israel and Indo-Pacific allies has won over some Republicans, it has also raised concerns among some Democrats, particularly as the humanitarian devastation in Gaza caused by Israeli forces continues to worsen.
The Gaza city of Rafah is in a state of panic as Israel announced a planned evacuation, a move that is expected to target the city in the ongoing conflict that began with Hamas attacks four months ago. Over 1.5 million people, more than half of Gaza’s population, are sheltering in Rafah.
During a speech on Friday, Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, expressed disbelief at the situation.
Sanders criticized the allocation of US funds to Israel, arguing that it would allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to purchase more bombs, which have been used to devastate Gaza and result in the deaths of thousands of children.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and other Democrats announced that they had secured a national security memorandum with the Biden administration to ensure that US assistance is utilized in accordance with international and humanitarian law.
The Senate is not expected to vote on Saturday, but senators will reconvene midday on Sunday, ahead of the Super Bowl, to push the package closer to final votes as they near a two-week recess.
Following Senate approval, the package will move to the House. However, Speaker Mike Johnson has not indicated if or when he would schedule votes on the bill.
