The passing of the $95 billion national security supplemental package (foreign aid bill) by the Senate marks a significant step in providing assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region.
After a lengthy and meticulous procedural process, the final vote resulted in a 70-29 margin, with 22 Republicans voting in favor. Democratic Senators Peter Welch and Jeff Merkley, along with independent Senator Bernie Sanders, cast their votes against the package.
$95 billion national security supplemental package
It is worth noting that the supplemental package does not include any provisions related to border security. Furthermore, a concern regarding the soaring national debt, which currently stands at over $34 trillion, led to calls for spending cuts elsewhere to offset the costs, but these requests went unheeded.
In an attempt to stall the package, several Republicans engaged in a collective filibuster on the Senate floor, with Senator Mike Lee committing to a four-hour filibuster on Saturday, which ultimately extended into early Tuesday. The package itself allocates $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, $9 billion for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, and nearly $5 billion for the Indo-Pacific.
The decision to bring the package to a vote by Democrats came after Republicans had previously blocked a $118 billion package, which encompassed various border and immigration provisions, negotiated by a bipartisan group of senators and Biden officials.
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It is pertinent to note that the United States has already provided over $100 billion in aid to Ukraine since the commencement of its conflict with Russia in February 2022. Senator Rand Paul vehemently opposed the bill, stating on the floor that it disregards American taxpayers and prioritizes Ukraine over the interests of the United States.
By Monday, several Republican senators were hopeful for a breakthrough to have their proposed amendments heard, primarily focusing on stringent border security measures. Senator Ted Cruz introduced an amendment mirroring the House’s immigration bill, H.R. 2, aiming to reinstate most of the restrictions implemented during the Trump era, bolster border patrol personnel, and tighten asylum screenings.
Throughout Monday, senators such as Roger Marshall, JD Vance, and Josh Hawley voiced their opposition to the bill while maintaining the filibuster. Conversely, senators like Mitt Romney and Thom Tillis urged their fellow lawmakers to cease further delays and pass the package.
Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas delivered an emotional speech in support of the bill during the floor proceedings.
