Further aid to both Israel and Ukraine has been blocked in the US Senate. The opposition Republicans voted unanimously against President Biden’s request. They want to implement a stricter immigration policy.
The US Senate has blocked new billions in security aid for Ukraine and Israel. The $110.5 billion package failed to receive the necessary 60 votes in a bipartisan vote to advance to debate in the 100-member Senate.
All Senate Republicans voted no, as did independent Senator Bernie Sanders, who usually votes with Democrats but had expressed concerns about funding Israel’s “current inhumane military strategy” against the Palestinians. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also voted “no” on procedural grounds to allow the proposal to be revised.
Democrats warn urgently
After the vote, Schumer spoke of a “serious moment that will have lasting consequences for the 21st century” and risks the decline of Western democracy.
US President Joe Biden had previously warned: “Make no mistake, today’s vote will be remembered for a long time. History will judge harshly… we cannot allow (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to win.” .
Democrats argue that aid to allies is essential to support global democracy and push back against autocracy. Blocking the bill would send a message to both U.S. adversaries and allies that the United States does not stand behind its international partners.
Republicans want stricter ones Immigration policy push through
With their no vote, the Republicans want to enforce their demands for a stricter immigration policy and control of the southern border and demand more accountability for American taxpayers’ money flowing abroad.
Schumer had previously said he would try to break the stalemate with an amendment on border policy. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have been arguing for months about financing the billions in aid demanded by President Joe Biden for Ukraine and Israel, for US interests in the Indo-Pacific and for international humanitarian aid.
An agreement on a new budget was only possible after aid for Ukraine had been excluded. There is resistance, especially among Republicans, to further military aid for the government in Kiev.