US Senate begins debate on aid to allies

US senators on Friday, February 9, voted to begin debate on a bill that would provide about $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and other needs. At the same time, Republicans seek to remove $4 billion in direct budget support for Kyiv from the document, The Hill reports.

The corresponding initiative was supported by 64 legislators, 19 opposed it. 17 senators did not participate in the voting. In order to make a decision, the support of at least 60 senators is needed.

Thus, the process of considering and approving the bill in the Senate has moved to the next stage, when lawmakers can propose amendments and debate around them.

Senators are expected to work on the bill throughout the weekend.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) urged his colleagues to push the bill, reminding colleagues that they have a “responsibility” to “ensure the common defense and equip the next commander in chief of tools to harness American power.”

He said Senate Republicans modified President Biden’s funding request, noting that the law requires the administration to set specific goals, requirements and metrics for aid to Ukraine.

He also noted that the Senate package provides $9 billion more for US defense needs than Biden requested, and excludes $4 billion from what the White House wants to give Kyiv in direct budget support.

Meanwhile, People’s Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak, who reviewed the “epic” with support for help in Congress on his Telegram channel, explained that the start of the debate only means the actual continuation of the stoppage.

According to him, the Republicans have about 11 amendments, but they still cannot agree on them among themselves.

For Ukraine, according to the representative of the people, it is very important that among the amendments there is no reduction in aid.

Let’s remember that the day before the US Senate voted to consider a bill to help allies independently of border protection.

Aid to Ukraine: can the US Congress reach a deal?