US House Approves $60.8 Billion Military Aid for Ukraine

On Saturday, April 20th, the US House of Representatives voted decisively, 311-112, in favor of a substantial $60.8 billion military aid package for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia, which has now spanned two years. This funding is critical as Ukraine faces a significant ammunition shortage. Additionally, the House approved $26.4 billion in support for Israel during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

In a sweeping day of legislation, the House also passed a bill targeting TikTok. This legislation mandates that TikTok sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to avoid a total ban across the United States. Another bill passed focuses on bolstering Taiwan and countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

A comprehensive $95 billion foreign aid package was also on the agenda, aimed at supporting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, amidst Republican opposition. Republicans argued that these funds should instead be redirected to address domestic issues, specifically immigration challenges at the US borders.

Despite internal opposition from his party, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson pushed forward with this ambitious legislative package, putting his leadership at risk. The package allocates $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel (including additional humanitarian aid for Gaza), and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific strategy.

This legislative activity includes three separate bills detailing these funds, with the third specifying $3.3 billion for submarine infrastructure development and $2 billion for foreign military financing for Taiwan and its allies.

A fourth bill, encompassing broader foreign policy measures, seeks to confiscate Russian assets, regulate the sale of TikTok, and impose sanctions on Iran, China, Russia, and entities involved in trafficking fentanyl, which has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths in the US.

Johnson’s maneuver to pass these bills won him some support but also exposed him to the risk of being ousted by hard-liner Republicans and Democrats. The Senate is expected to consider the bill soon, after which it would be sent to President Biden for final approval.