The US Senate began a vote on Tuesday over a $95.34 billion aid package to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with increasing doubt over its passage in the House of Representatives.
President Joe Biden has for months urged Congress to speed up aid for Ukraine and Taiwan and also asked for funds for Israel following Hamas’s attack on October 7, in addition to aid for Gaza.
Officials in Ukraine have also cautioned that they are facing a weapons shortage while Russia is pressing ahead with new attacks.
The new legislation must be passed by both houses of Congress and risks being held up due to a portion of the bill that has to do with US border control.
Republicans in Congress have demanded the bill on foreign aid contain provisions on border restrictions.
The legislation includes $61 billion in aid to Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, and $4.83 billion for Indo-Pacific US allies, including Taiwan.
It would also include $9.15 billion in humanitarian aid in Palestine and Ukraine, as well as other conflict zones.
Influence from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has worked against the bill, with the candidate insisting the foreign aid should be in the form of loans.
Hardline Republicans believe the Senate legislation does not stand a chance in the House of Representatives.
