The U.S. House to Vote on Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan
The U.S. House of Representatives is set to hold a significant vote on Saturday regarding a crucial aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The vote will also include a potential ban on the popular social media platform TikTok. The $95 billion foreign aid and arms bills will be up for consideration, with the voting expected to commence at 1:00 pm (1700 GMT). Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, who is currently facing challenges, will need the support of Democratic votes to pass these bills. This aid package has been the result of months of intense negotiations, pressure from U.S. allies, and repeated pleas for assistance from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, funding for Ukraine has been a contentious issue, leading to partisan disagreements. The United States has been the primary military supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, but Congress has not approved significant funding for Ukraine for over a year and a half due to political disagreements. President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers have been advocating for a substantial weapons package for Ukraine for several months. However, Republicans, influenced by former President Donald Trump, have been hesitant to provide funding for the ongoing conflict. The financing of the war has become a contentious point ahead of the upcoming presidential election, where Biden is expected to face Trump once again. Johnson, after months of hesitation, has finally expressed his support for a $61 billion package for Ukraine, which includes economic assistance and weapons. The bill also grants Biden the authority to confiscate and sell Russian assets, using the proceeds to finance Ukraine’s reconstruction. This provision has been endorsed by other G7 nations. The aid package also includes $13 billion in military assistance for Israel to bolster its “Iron Dome” air defenses. Additionally, a significant portion of the funds will be allocated to address humanitarian needs in Gaza and other vulnerable populations worldwide. At Biden’s request, $8 billion will be used to counter China through investments in submarine infrastructure and enhancing competition with Beijing in developing countries. Moreover, several billion dollars will be devoted to providing weapons to Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by China. The aid package also includes a provision that would require TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a nationwide ban in the United States. Western officials have expressed concerns about TikTok’s alleged ties to Beijing and its potential for spreading propaganda. The White House has expressed its strong support for this legislation, stating that “the world is watching” what Congress does. President Biden has indicated that he will sign the bills as soon as they pass both chambers of Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged to quickly take up the measures in the Democratic-majority Senate once they are passed by the House. While U.S. allies are expected to welcome the passage of these bills in the House, it could cost Speaker Johnson his job. Some far-right-wing isolationist Republican lawmakers have threatened to oust Johnson for supporting these bills.
