House lawmakers in a rare weekend session approved $95 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as a measure to ban TikTok unless sold by its Chinese owner. The bills, which received overwhelming bipartisan support, now head to the Senate, with a vote expected as early as Tuesday. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill once it reaches his desk. The funding will provide military and humanitarian assistance to the three countries, with significant boosts to the U.S. departments of Defense, Energy, and State. The aid is seen as crucial amid ongoing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, as well as concerns regarding China’s approach to Taiwan. Far-right Republicans criticized the bills, arguing for a focus on border security and immigration policy instead. However, supporters highlighted the importance of defending democracies and human rights around the world. President Biden emphasized the urgency of the situation, with Israel facing attacks from Iran and Ukraine under bombardment from Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the assistance, stating that the aid would help save lives and strengthen both nations. The bill allocates nearly $48 billion to the U.S. Defense Department to provide weapons and supplies for Ukraine’s military, as well as economic loans and security assistance through the State Department. Lawmakers stressed the importance of standing with allies against aggression and tyranny, emphasizing the need to confront threats to democracy. Ohio Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur urged support for Ukraine and rejected calls for isolation, warning that foreign affairs have a way of impacting the U.S. if ignored. House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers expressed concerns that a Russian victory in Ukraine could embolden further aggression in Eastern Europe. The approval of the aid package marks a significant step in bolstering international security and support for democratic values.
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U.S. House Approves Aid to Ukraine and Israel in Bipartisan Vote with Overwhelming Support • Tennessee Lookout
