The United States Congress has just signed off on a bumper $61 billion aid package for Ukraine after long deliberation.
On Tuesday, the US Senate voted in favor of the bill with an astonishing 79 yays to 100 in the upper chamber. This was only a few days after the US House of Representatives, in unanimous bipartisan acclaim, approved the legislation on Saturday.
The last hurdle is getting a yes from US President Joe Biden, who was quick to commit to signing the bill into law. "I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week," announced Biden just a few hours after the vote, emphasizing his eagerness to start sending Ukraine the stuff it needs pronto.
Of course, there is the aid for Ukraine, a humongous package that is also served well with hefty assistance for Israel and Taiwan. This just in, an endorsement of the United States commitment to global leadership, according to Biden. "We stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression," the President affirmed.
The situation in Ukraine was desperate and like the Israeli people, being fired at relentlessly by Russia, means there is an urgent need to extend support, Biden stressed. The bill also factored in the needs of Israel, which has so far never faced such massive threats from Iran."This critical legislation will make our nation and world more secure as we support our friends who are defending themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin," enthused Biden.
About $23 billion is directed towards stockpiling the US military. Since most equipment is usually taken from existing stock, this goes indirectly to Ukraine. The other half comes for further military aid and financial aid, but it comes with a loan structure.
The aid was vowed to thank the Senate for its vote. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters that this would help firm up America's role as a champion of democracy. "This vote reinforces America's role as a beacon of democracy and the leader of the free world," Zelensky said.
Earlier Tuesday, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder hinted that Ukraine could expect new military aid "within days."He said that the help would focus on what Ukraine needs most, and that is probably air defense capabilities and artillery ammunition.
Already in 11 months since the conflict started in February 2022, the Biden administration has already committed more than $44 billion in military aid to Kiev and tens of billions in non-military financial aid.
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