Bipartisan Support in House Passes Billions in Aid for Ukraine and Israel

The House has approved $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other US allies in a rare Saturday session. The $61 billion aid package for Ukraine demonstrates strong American support as lawmakers work to provide additional assistance to the war-torn nation. The package will now move to the Senate, where it is expected to pass in the coming days. President Joe Biden has promised to sign it immediately.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to both parties in the House and personally to Speaker Mike Johnson for their decision. The aid package comes after months of political turmoil and stalemate, with Republicans deeply divided over foreign aid, particularly for Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion.The passage through the House clears the biggest hurdle to Biden's funding request, first made in October as Ukraine's military supplies began to run low. The delay in providing aid has led many to question America's commitment to its allies. At stake is one of Biden's top foreign policy priorities – halting Russian President Vladimir Putin's advance in Europe.While aid for Ukraine is likely to win majority support from both parties, a significant number of progressive Democrats are expected to vote against the bill aiding Israel as they demand an end to the bombardment of Gaza that has killed thousands of civilians. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's "America First" brand of politics has pushed the GOP towards a more isolationist stance, with many Republicans opposing further aid for Ukraine.The package includes several Republican priorities that Democrats endorse or are willing to accept, such as proposals allowing the US to seize frozen Russian central bank assets to rebuild Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Iran, Russia, China, and criminal organizations that traffic fentanyl. However, the push to get the bills through Congress reflects not only political considerations but also the realities on the ground in Ukraine, where top lawmakers have grown increasingly concerned about the situation in recent weeks.