A $61 billion aid package for Ukraine was approved by the US House of Representatives on Saturday. Later that same day, the House also approved a $26.4 billion aid package for Israel.
The vote, which had been postponed by Republicans for several months, encountered objections from some members who opposed allocating funds abroad instead of directing resources towards the US-Mexico border.
The Senate is anticipated to pass the measure in the coming days, paving the way for President Joe Biden to sign it into law. According to officials speaking to US media, certain munitions could be delivered to Ukraine within a week of the measure’s enactment.
Ukraine Aid Package One Step Closer to Passing After US House Approves
Following significant delays, the Ukraine aid package passed the House of Representatives comfortably with a vote of 311 to 112.
However, these numbers mask deepening partisan divisions on the issue. Despite unanimous support from Democrats, with all 210 voting in favor of the $61 billion aid package, a larger number of Republicans opposed the legislation, with 112 voting against it compared to 101 in favor.
Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson collaborated with Democrats to overcome procedural obstacles and facilitate the vote on the aid package during this uncommon Saturday session.
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President Biden welcomed the House’s decision and thanked Mr Johnson for reaching across party lines to reach a decision.
“At this critical inflection point, they came together to answer history’s call, passing urgently-needed national security legislation that I have fought for months to secure,” Biden said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also welcomed the result, with a post on X stating: “I am grateful to the United States House of Representatives, both parties, and personally Speaker Mike Johnson for the decision that keeps history on the right track.
“Democracy and freedom will always have global significance and will never fail as long as America helps to protect it.
“The vital US aid bill passed today by the House will keep the war from expanding, save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both of our nations to become stronger.
“Just peace and security can only be attained through strength. We hope that bills will be supported in the Senate and sent to President Biden’s desk. Thank you, America!”
I am grateful to the United States House of Representatives, both parties, and personally Speaker Mike Johnson for the decision that keeps history on the right track.
Democracy and freedom will always have global significance and will never fail as long as America helps to…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 20, 2024
NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg likewise praised the House’s decision. “Ukraine is using the weapons provided by Nato allies to destroy Russian combat capabilities,” he said on X. “This makes us all safer, in Europe and North America.”