U.S. House Approves $95 Billion Foreign Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill on Saturday that includes military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, provides $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region to counter Chinese aggression.

The package for Ukraine includes nearly $61 billion in fresh supplies of artillery rounds, air defense missiles, and support for the Ukrainian economy, which has been severely impacted by the Russian invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the aid, stating that it will "strengthen Ukraine's armed forces and give the country a chance at victory."

For Israel, the bill allocates $17 billion in defense aid and $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and other war-torn regions. However, the aid comes just hours after Israeli attacks on Rafah in southern Gaza killed 18 people, including 9 children, raising concerns among some progressive Democrats who are demanding an end to the offensive.

Taiwan will receive $1.9 billion to replenish defense articles and services, as well as $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds to counter Chinese aggression. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National Defense have thanked the U.S. House for approving the defense funding, which they say reaffirms Washington's commitment to helping Taiwan protect itself amid regional tensions.

Why this matters: The passage of this foreign aid package demonstrates the U.S. government's ongoing support for key allies in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It also highlights the complex geopolitical challenges and conflicts that the U.S. must navigate in its role as a global superpower.

The Senate, controlled by Democrats, is expected to vote on and pass the bill on Tuesday. President Biden has promised to sign the legislation into law immediately once it reaches his desk. The package faced months-long delays due to divisions within the Republican party over the issue of Ukraine aid, but ultimately garnered enough bipartisan support to pass the House.

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended his decision to bring the aid package to a vote, citing classified briefings that showed the assistance is "critically important" in pushing back against Russian aggression. The announcement of the Taiwan aid also comes ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China, where he is expected to press Beijing to curb its support for Russia in the Ukraine war.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. House approves $95B foreign aid bill for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan.
• Ukraine receives $60.8B for military, humanitarian aid; Zelensky grateful.
• Israel gets $17B in defense aid, $9B in humanitarian aid for Gaza.
• Taiwan receives $1.9B for defense, $2B to counter Chinese aggression.
• Bill faces Senate vote, expected to be signed by President Biden.