Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, backer of Ukraine, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2022|@LeaderMcConnell|X
The Senate advanced a $95 billion emergency aid package for Ukraine and Israel yesterday through a 67-27 bipartisan vote.
The measure was advanced in a rare Sunday session and saw 18 Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell—a backer of Ukraine—join Democrats.
“It’s no exaggeration to say the eyes of the world are on the United States Senate,” Senator Mitch McConnell said.
The measure has to now pass in the Senate, and lawmakers hope it would be approved as early as Tuesday.
The package includes $60.1 billion to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, $14.1 billion for Israel’s fight against Hamas, and nearly $10 billion for humanitarian aid in conflict areas, including threats against US forces in the Red Sea region.
Despite the progress, challenges loom in the Republican-led House, where opposition—fueled by former President Donald Trump’s “America First” stance—persists. Some GOP members criticize the bill for not prioritizing border security.