President Joe Biden signed into law an aid package on Wednesday, providing crucial military assistance to Ukraine. The aid package, totaling $95 billion, includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that could lead to the banning of TikTok in the United States if the Chinese parent company, ByteDance, fails to sell it within nine months.
President Biden, wearing a US-Ukrainian flag pin, hailed the signing as a significant step towards global peace and security. He emphasized that the aid package would enhance America's safety and leadership in the world.
The passage of the aid package followed months of negotiations and debates, with personal lobbying from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The bill faced opposition from some House Republicans who viewed further funding for Ukraine as contentious.
The aid package includes a substantial allocation for military equipment for Ukraine, with shipments set to begin promptly. The Pentagon announced a $1 billion aid package for Ukraine, including air-defense equipment, artillery rounds, anti-aircraft missiles, armored vehicles, and more.
Notably, the aid package also includes significant military assistance for Israel, which has drawn criticism from some Democrats. The final Senate vote on the bill was 79-18, with some senators expressing concerns over the Israel aid component.
The aid package aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia. The inclusion of advanced weaponry such as High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and ATACMS missiles underscores the US commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense efforts.
Sen. Mark Warner emphasized the urgency of sending ATACMS missiles to Ukraine to enhance its defensive capabilities. The aid package represents a significant milestone in US foreign policy and military support for key allies in the face of global security challenges.
