It was an ordeal for Ukraine: the months-long back and forth in the US House of Representatives about further military aid. Now the funds have been approved in the first instance – also with the help of the Republicans.
It was a big moment in the US House of Representatives. Members of Congress cheered and waved Ukraine flags as the vote results were announced. 311 yes votes against 112 no votes. After months of bitter fighting, Democrats and Republicans jointly agreed to additional aid to Ukraine totaling $61 billion.
“No blank check”
This is not a blank check for Ukraine, like the Senate bill, but completely different, Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson explained afterwards in front of television cameras.
“Instead of taking the path of least resistance and bringing the Senate bill to a vote, we gave our members a voice. A chance and, in the end, a better law,” Johnson said.
In order to find a majority, Mike Johnson had split up the original bill and had all parts voted on individually. Aid for Israel as well as Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific was also approved with a large majority of votes. The congressmen also voted again for a sale of the short video app TikTok and for further sanctions against Iran.
A vote with difficulties
The vote was preceded by weeks of bitter negotiations. As a concession to the Republicans, part of the Ukraine aid – around $9 billion – will be granted as a loan. 23 billion will go to the US’s own military stockpiles, said Johnson: “Remember that 80 percent of the funds for Ukraine will flow into increasing American weapons stocks, into our facilities and operations.”
A few ultra-conservative Republicans had previously threatened to remove Johnson if he brought the aid for Kiev to a vote. Above all, Marjorie Taylor Green from the right wing of the party. Their concern is “America First” and not further support for Ukraine.
“Shame on the American government. If we want to support our military, let’s do it. We should pass laws on our guns and ammunition and not send them to foreign lands to kill foreign people,” Green protested.
A victory, also for Biden
President Biden responded to the House vote with high praise. He praised lawmakers for coming together across party lines to “answer the call of history and pass much-needed national security legislation.” Ukrainian President Zelenksyj thanked X and wrote that the law would prevent the war from spreading and save thousands of lives.
The entire legislative package is expected to go to the second chamber of Congress, the Senate, on Tuesday. Afterwards, President Biden wants to quickly sign it.
Claudia Sarre, ARD Washington, tagesschau, April 21, 2024 5:40 a.m