Senate Blocks Emergency Spending Bill for Ukraine, Israel
An emergency spending bill aimed at providing billions of dollars in new security assistance for Ukraine and Israel has been blocked in the U.S. Senate as Republicans continue to push for tougher immigration control measures at the southern border.
The $110.5 billion measure, which would have included $50 billion in new security assistance for Ukraine, as well as money for humanitarian and economic aid for Kyiv, and $14 billion for Israel, failed to secure the 60 votes needed to start debate.
The voting, which took place along party lines, saw every Senate Republican voting no, along with Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who generally aligns with Democrats but had expressed concerns about Israel’s military strategy against Palestinians.
While Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, also voted “no” in order to introduce the measure again in the future, he emphasized the risks of Ukraine falling, calling it a “serious moment that will have lasting consequences for the 21st century,” and could impact Western democracy.
On the other hand, Republicans argued that it was crucial to raise their case for stricter immigration policies and border control, stressing the importance of fulfilling America’s national security priorities.
Even if the bill were to pass the Senate, it would still need approval in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where many have opposed aid for Ukraine, including Speaker Mike Johnson.
The impasse over the emergency spending bill has led to heightened tensions and a sense of urgency on Capitol Hill, with Democrats underscoring the importance of supporting global democracy and allies, and Republicans emphasizing the need for more accountability in immigration policies and U.S. taxpayer funds destined for Ukraine.
The failure of the spending bill has reignited the debate over aid for U.S. allies as they confront threats and conflicts, with Democrats highlighting the message of solidarity it would send to both adversaries and allies, and Republicans pointing to the significance of border security and accountability in foreign aid.
The White House has made two unsuccessful attempts to push the spending bill through Congress, and both parties are at loggerheads, raising concerns that the impasse could continue into 2024.
Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Additional reporting by Steve Holland and David Morgan; Editing by Alison Williams, Grant McCool and Leslie Adler