US Senate schedules first vote on aid to Ukraine
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In the United States, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has scheduled the first procedural vote on the additional $106 billion aid package proposed by President Joe Biden for Ukraine, Israel, countries in the Indo-Pacific region, and humanitarian purposes in Gaza.
The Hill reported that the vote on the bill is expected to take place later this week. The Senate Majority Leader noted that advancing this package is crucial as Ukraine is running out of resources needed to combat Russian aggression.
"I urge every single senator to think where we are at this moment in history. America's national security is on the line around the world — in Europe, in the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific," Schumer said on the floor. "[The supplemental] could determine the trajectory of democracy for years to come. We are at a moment in history."
However, the bill is unlikely to overcome this initial obstacle. Republicans have stated that they will vote against its consideration if it does not include measures related to the security of the US-Mexico border.
In turn, Democratic lead negotiator Senator Chris Murphy told reporters that negotiations fell apart because Republicans refused to back down from their demands.
"That's what it feels like. That Republicans want us to swallow their most difficult proposals and aren't interested in sitting down and working this out," he added.
Earlier, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan urged Congress to support the White House's request for additional funding for Ukraine. According to him, "any member of Congress who does not support funding for Ukraine is voting for an outcome that will facilitate Putin's victory."
"That is, a vote against supporting Ukraine is a vote for improving Putin's strategic positions. It's just an unavoidable reality," said Biden's advisor.
Sullivan added that voting against additional funding for Ukraine "will harm Ukraine and help Russia."
US assistance to Ukraine
In October of this year, the White House requested about $106 billion from the US Congress for Ukraine, Israel, and other priority areas.
On November 2, the US House of Representatives passed a bill to allocate military aid to Israel totaling $14.3 billion without aiding Ukraine.
However, reports emerged in the media that US congressional leaders still plan to approve funding for aid programs to Ukraine and Israel in the coming weeks.
It is expected that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to hold a vote on Biden's request this week.
Last week, the new Speaker, Mike Johnson, stated that he is "confident and optimistic" that the US Congress will be able to approve additional funds for aid to Israel and Ukraine before the start of the Christmas holidays. Meanwhile, the White House warned that the existing funds for aid to Ukraine will run out by the end of the year.
