Senate Republicans have blocked $66 billion in aid to Ukraine over immigration concerns.
Not a single GOP representative supported the $111 billion national security funding bill. The package also includes support for Israel and Taiwan, as well as $66 billion in aid to Ukraine.
Republican block
Generally, according to procedural rules, a document needs to receive at least 60 votes to be submitted for further consideration. 49 senators supported him, 51 voted against.
At the same time, even the progressive and independent Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders joined the 49 Republicans. He explained his decision by dissatisfaction with Israel’s war tactics in Gaza.
The failed vote makes it clear that Republicans – even those who strongly support extending aid to Kyiv – intends to withhold funding from Ukraine if they fail to achieve changes to US immigration and border policies. so, they suspended new aid to Kyiv for three months.
Does Ukraine still have a chance?
Yes, theoretically, Kyiv still has a chance to get help. Last Wednesday night, US President Joe Biden said he was willing to make ‘significant compromises’ on border policyto get an agreement on Ukrainian funds, which he said are urgently needed to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
“It can’t wait,” Biden said, speaking from the Roosevelt Room in the White House.
“Petty, partisan, angry politics cannot stand in the way of our responsibility as the leading country in the world. And the whole world is literally watching,” he added.
Biden’s budget director warned earlier this week that there won’t be another relief package The US will run out of resources to help Ukraine by the end of the year.
The main negotiator with the Democratic Republicans, Senator Chris Murphy, announced on Wednesday that a new proposal will be issued soon and it may resume negotiations with the Republican Party. Remember that at the end of last week, Democrats abandoned negotiations while Republicans pushed for tougher immigration measures.
In turn, the Republican leaders in the Senate expressed confidence that the Congress will finally approve the aid to Ukraine, but for this, the Democrats must first agree to the demands of the Republican Party.
Limited time
The Senate plans to close its work and go into holiday recess on December 15. However, according to American lawmakers, the session could be extended by a week to pass the Ukrainian bill.
If it fails, senators will return to work on January 9 and will have another two weeks left to vote – until the next US government shutdown.
Dismal prospects
The Senate deal is just the beginning, says Bloomberg. Passing the agreement through the House of Representatives will be more difficult because of growing opposition to help Ukraine among Republicans in that chamber, the reporters added.
The ultraconservatives said that will be able to support aid to Ukraine only after reducing the flow of migrants across the borderand it will take time.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.