The US$40 billion aid package, which includes military, economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, was approved by the Senate by 11 votes to 86, after it was approved by the House of Representatives on May 10. The aid package will now be sent to the White House for US President Joe Biden to sign.
“HELP IS ON THE WAY”
In a statement before the vote, Senate Majority Leader Democrat Chuck Schumer called for support for the aid package, saying, “This is a big package and will meet the great needs of the Ukrainian people fighting for survival. By accepting this urgent aid, the Senate can tell the people of Ukraine that Aid is on the way. “Real help. Significant help. This help can help the Ukrainians win,” he said.
The aid package includes $6 billion for security assistance, $8.7 billion to replenish stockpiles of U.S. equipment sent to Ukraine, $3.9 billion for U.S. military European Command operations and Biden’s use without Congressional approval in response to an emergency. authorizes the fund to spend $11 billion. The Presidential Withdrawal Authority allows the administration to ship military equipment and weapons from US stockpiles. The package also includes $5 billion to combat global food insecurity caused by Russia’s attacks, and nearly $9 billion to the economic support fund created to support Ukraine.
EXCEED 50 BILLION DOLLARS
After Biden’s approval of the aid package, the amount of aid provided by the USA to Ukraine since February 24, when the attacks of the Russian army began, will exceed $ 50 billion.
Before the Senate vote, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urged members of Congress to be quick to approve the aid package, saying the US military only had enough money to send weapons to Ukraine by May 19. (UAV)