Despite former President Donald Trump’s strong opposition, the Senate has passed a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. In the Senate, the votes stood at 70-29, with the majority voting yes on February 13th. Of the 70 people who voted yes, 22 were Senate Republicans who directly went against Trump’s disapproval.
The former president made his point known in a social media post, saying that the U.S. should only lend money to foreign allies. Over time, some Republicans changed their minds on this bill while some remained headstrong.
Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., was one of the people that once supported the aid. However, she voted no on Tuesday, agreeing with Trump’s comments that the aid should be a loan. From the look of things, this bill may not make it to the House directly.
This is because House Speaker Mike Johnson strongly suggested that he may not put the Senate bill on the floor for debate or a vote because it does not address the southern border. The aid does not include any funding for the southern border, and the Speaker feels strongly about this.
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However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer disagrees with this notion. He stated that it is urgent for the House to act on this bill and would speak to him directly soon.
“My message [to Johnson] is this is a rare moment where history is looking upon the United States and seeing if we will stand up for our values, stand up to bullies like Putin, and do the right thing,” Schumer said.
“I will say to Speaker Johnson, I am confident that there’s a large majority in the House who will vote for this bill. I am confident there are many Republicans in his caucus. I know I’ve spoken to a whole bunch of them who feel strongly we ought to pass this bill, and I will urge Speaker Johnson to step up to the moment and do the right thing.”
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Schumer continued, saying that House Republicans would be giving the Russian president an “enormous gift” if they do not do the right thing. “The responsibility now falls on Speaker Johnson and House Republicans to approve this bill swiftly. And I call on Speaker Johnson to rise to the occasion.
To do the right thing. Bring this bill to the floor,” he continued. “As I said, given the large majority, robust majority here in the Senate, it is clear that if that bill was brought to the floor, our bill is brought to the floor, it will pass. But if the hard-right kills this bill, it would be an enormous gift to Vladimir Putin.”
The president of the United States, Joe Biden, also supports Schumer’s view on this issue. “I urge Speaker Johnson to bring it to the floor immediately, immediately,” Biden said.
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“There’s no question that if the Senate bill was put on the floor in the House of Representatives, it would pass. It would pass. And the Speaker knows that. This bipartisan bill sends a clear message to Ukrainians, and to our partners, to our allies around the world. America can be trusted.”
In conclusion, passing this bill will further solidify America’s stance as a reliable ally during tough times. Also, they can secure foreign assistance whenever the country is in need.
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