The US Senate approved a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine by an 86-11 margin on Thursday, sending the bill to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.
The bill previously received approval in the House.
All 11 of the no votes were from Republicans.
- RELATED: Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Biden previously requested $33 billion in military and economic aid for Ukraine. Biden signed a bill in March that included more than $13 billion in aid for Ukraine.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell rebuked those who voted against the proposal. McConnell traveled to Kyiv last week to meet with leaders in Ukraine.
“As a matter of moral principle, the United States is proud to support the sovereign democracy self-defense,” he said. “Innocent Ukrainians have been subjected to wanton cruelty. But aid for Ukraine goes far beyond charity. The future of American security and core strategic interests will be shaped by the outcome of this fight. Anyone concerned about the cost of supporting a Ukrainian victory should consider the much larger cost should Ukraine lose."
Senate leaders were hopeful to push the bill through last week, but a unanimous consent request was rejected by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.
"This should already have been done and over with, but it is repugnant that one member of the other side--the junior Senator from Kentucky--chose to make a show and obstruct Ukraine funding knowing full well he couldn't actually stop its passage. For Senator Paul to delay Ukraine funding for purely political motives is to only strengthen Putin's hand," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines released the following statement after voting to advance sending aid to Ukraine:
“The United States stands as a beacon of hope and symbol of freedom around the world—we must continue to stand with Ukraine and help their brave warriors defeat Putin. As the first United States Senator to step foot inside Ukraine after Russia’s invasion, I saw firsthand the evil and bloodshed at the hands of Putin, but I also saw clear evidence that the military aid from the United States and our allies has been used to deliver major setbacks against Russian forces. This is about peace through strength. Repelling Putin’s war of aggression is critical to our own national security as China and our adversaries are watching how the United States responds. If we fail to act, a nuclear armed Russia and our adversaries will grow bolder in their ambition for conquest and further increase hostility towards the United States.”
-information from MTN News included in this report
