Democrats’ proposal to maintain aid to Ukraine advances in the US Senate

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The Senate is pushing several procedural votes this week to move forward with a $95 billion aid package, despite a growing number of Republicans opposing U.S. aid to Ukraine. This funding is crucial, as Senate leaders argue, to standing up to Russian President Vladimir Putin and maintaining America’s global standing.

During a rare weekend session on Capitol Hill, the Senate voted to move forward with aid, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued stark warnings about the consequences of abandoning America’s former allies in Europe.

“The eyes of the world are on the United States Senate,” McConnell said. “Our allies and partners hope that the indispensable nation, the leader of the free world, will have the resolve to continue.”

The $95 billion package includes funding for Israel’s fight against Hamas, and crucial support for Taiwan, a key strategic ally. However, the bulk of the aid, $60 billion, is designated to help Ukraine resupply ammunition, weapons, and other crucial needs in its third year of war.

The vote came amid growing opposition from some Republican senators, including those who align with former President Donald Trump. Trump has been vocal in calling for the end of aid and has been critical of the NATO military alliance, raising concerns about the level of defense spending by certain member countries.

While McConnell has made Ukraine a priority issue, a significant number of members of his Republican conference have followed Trump’s lead and oppose the aid. However, McConnell emphasized in his keynote speech on Sunday that “American leadership is important and in question.”

Without mentioning Trump by name, McConnell stressed the need for U.S. support in confronting global threats, while Schumer echoed his sentiments, saying that if the U.S. does not help Ukraine, “Putin is very likely to succeed.”

The Senate is now pushing several procedural votes on the aid package, following an attempt to combine it with legislation to curb migration at the U.S. border, which failed. Objections from Republicans who strongly oppose the aid have delayed quick action, forcing weekend votes as negotiations continue on possible amendments to the legislation.

If the Senate passes the package, its future remains uncertain in the House, where a large majority of Republican lawmakers are firmly allied with Trump. The aid package includes critical provisions for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian assistance for areas affected by conflict.

With information from AP, the Senate is gearing up for a critical week ahead as it continues to deliberate on this crucial aid package.