Senate advances $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Tawian

The U.S. Senate took a significant step forward in approving a $95 billion aid package aimed at providing funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

The successful vote, which garnered 67 votes in favor, signals progress in negotiations and suggests that the aid package may soon pass after several days of deliberations.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., expressed determination to continue working on the bill until completion, even on Super Bowl Sunday, a rare occasion for Senate proceedings.

Schumer emphasized the Senate’s commitment to addressing the foreign aid package amid ongoing negotiations.

Aid package

The vote on Sunday represents one of the final procedural hurdles before a final vote on the aid package, indicating growing support for the $95 billion bill after a period of extensive discussions and negotiations among lawmakers.

Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn., an influential figure in the negotiations, expressed optimism about the bill’s prospects, highlighting the progress made in overcoming procedural hurdles and garnering bipartisan support.

Since Wednesday, senators have been engaged in a rigorous process of negotiations, procedural votes, and further discussions to advance the aid package.

These efforts are expected to continue into the coming week, potentially affecting senators’ scheduled recess.

Contingency plans

Schumer had contingency plans to accommodate Senate proceedings on Super Bowl Sunday, including arrangements for televisions and pizza on Capitol Hill if voting had extended into the evening.

The pace of the process could be expedited if all 100 senators agree to accelerate the timeframe. However, Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., has expressed intentions to prolong the proceedings, potentially delaying the final vote until late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

A previous version of the bill, totaling $118 billion, failed to pass last Wednesday due to disagreements over border security provisions.

Schumer subsequently removed the contentious border terms and introduced a revised $95 billion version of the bill to prioritize foreign aid without border-related issues.