U.S. approves $13.6B of aid to Ukraine as part of $1.5T funding bill
Global News
President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law, averting agency shutdowns ahead of the midnight Friday deadline when existing U.S. government funds expire.
The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved legislation providing $1.5 trillion to fund the federal government through Sept. 30 and to allocate $13.6 billion to aid Ukraine.
The 2,700-page bill passed in a bipartisan 68-31 vote, one day after the House of Representatives approved the package.
President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law, averting agency shutdowns ahead of the midnight Friday deadline when existing U.S. government funds expire.
“We’re keeping our promises to support Ukraine as they fight for their lives against the evil Vladimir Putin,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, referring to Russia’s president who has orchestrated a massive attack against its neighbour.
The aid for Ukraine is designed to finance ammunition and other military supplies, as well as humanitarian support.
The legislation’s passage follows months of negotiations over the federal government’s funding and therefore policy priorities.
It also comes as lawmakers jostle to show support of Ukraine in its battle against Russian forces, with Democrats and Republicans saying the Biden administration must do more to help Kyiv.
On Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters that this Ukraine aid package likely would be followed by additional measures to help Kyiv battle Russia and rebuild from the destruction brought by Moscow’s attacks.
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