Senate clears hurdle to passing aid package for Ukraine, Israel as more GOP lawmakers sign on

In a uncommon Super Bowl Sunday vote, the Senate voted to push ahead an aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and different U.S. allies, clearing a key hurdle as 18 GOP lawmakers have signed on. 

The package would supply $60 billion for Ukraine, principally to buy U.S.-made protection tools, together with munitions and air protection methods that authorities say it desperately wants as Russia batters the nation. It consists of $8 billion for the federal government in Kyiv and different help.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., arrives as the Senate prepares to take a procedural vote on an emergency spending package that would supply navy aid to Ukraine and Israel, replenish U.S. weapons methods and supply meals, water and different humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, on the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

It would additionally present $14 billion for Israel’s battle with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and companions within the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.2 billion in humanitarian help for Gaza.

Senate leaders argued that the cash was essential to pushing again in opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin and sustaining America’s international standing.

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Republican chief Mitch McConnell of Kentucky warned concerning the penalties of abandoning longtime U.S. allies in Europe.

McConnell stated in his opening remarks that “American leadership matters, and it is in question.” Schumer stated Putin is “all too likely to succeed” if America would not help Ukraine. 

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., heart, arrives as the Senate prepares to take a procedural vote on an emergency spending package that would supply navy aid to Ukraine and Israel, replenish U.S. weapons methods and supply meals, water and different humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, on the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The 67-27 take a look at vote Sunday on the $95.3 billion international aid package comes as former President Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, is making an attempt to kill the help and has escalated his assaults on the NATO navy alliance.

The day earlier than the vote, Trump stated at a marketing campaign rally in South Carolina that Russia ought to find a way to do “whatever the hell they want” to NATO members who don’t meet their protection spending targets. 

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While McConnell has made Ukraine a prime subject, an growing variety of members in his GOP convention have adopted Trump’s lead in opposing the aid. 

The Senate is pushing via a number of procedural votes on the slimmed-down package after an try to pair it with laws to stem migration on the U.S. border collapsed. Objections from Republicans adamantly opposed to the aid have delayed fast motion, forcing the weekend votes as negotiations proceed over potential amendments to the laws.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., arrives as the Senate prepares to take a procedural vote on an emergency spending package that would supply navy aid to Ukraine and Israel, replenish U.S. weapons methods and supply meals, water and different humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, on the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Schumer has stated he’s open to amendments -– most of which might be doubtless to fail -– however he pressured senators to keep in session via the weekend to attempt to pace up the method.

“I can’t remember the last time the Senate was in session on Super Bowl Sunday,” Schumer stated as he opened the session. “But as I’ve said all week long, we’re going to keep working on this bill until the job is done.”

In a key vote final week, 17 Republican senators agreed to begin debate on the invoice and 31 voted in opposition to it, giving McConnell and different Republican supporters of the aid new hope that it may cross. 

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But even when the Senate does cross the package, its future is deeply unsure within the House, the place a big majority of GOP lawmakers are firmly allied with Trump.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.