In the Senate, a $118 billion international aid package is facing significant opposition from Republicans over concerns about the bill's border security provisions, which they argue are insufficient. However, critics of the funding bill have also raised objections regarding the portion allocated for Ukraine, claiming that it would send $60 billion directly to the country.

Contrary to these claims, a closer examination of the bill reveals that most of the allocated funds for Ukraine will remain within the United States. Specifically, tens of billions of dollars will be channeled into Pentagon resources to purchase new weapons from American companies. These acquisitions are intended to replenish military inventories that have been utilized in support of Ukraine, finance military operations, and facilitate the signing of contracts for new weapons in Kyiv.

Should the bill pass, it would undoubtedly benefit the defense industry, an aspect that both President Joe Biden and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell have emphasized as a job creator. However, some longstanding critics of Ukraine aid were quick to misrepresent the bill's provisions after the release of the latest version. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky took to social media, expressing concerns about the potential consequences of the bill becoming law.

While opponents claim that the bill would allocate more funding to Ukraine than the U.S. Marine Corps budget in FY23, the reality is that $48.4 billion out of the $60 billion dedicated to assisting Ukraine in repelling Russia's invasion would be directed towards Pentagon resources, with a significant portion going to U.S. defense contractors. Approximately $20 billion has been designated for the purchase of new weapons and equipment to replenish depleted U.S. military inventories, while an additional $13.8 billion will be used for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which enables direct purchases of weapons for the Ukrainian military from American defense contractors. The bill also includes $14.8 billion for increased military presence in Europe, as well as training and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Beyond Ukraine, the wider bill includes funds for U.S. arms manufacturing. Negotiators allocated $4.4 billion to replace weapons sent to Israel during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, and $1.9 billion to replenish arms intended for Taiwan to deter China from an invasion. Additionally, $3.3 billion has been earmarked to enhance the U.S. submarine industrial base in order to meet the Navy's demands and fulfill obligations under the AUKUS sub-manufacturing agreement recently established with the United Kingdom and Australia.

Republicans are poised to block the bill in a test vote on Wednesday, primarily due to their opposition to the border security deal. This resistance, combined with hesitancy among House Republicans to provide new funding, has left further Ukraine aid in limbo.

President Biden has consistently championed the economic benefits of the aid package, particularly with regards to strengthening the defense industry at home. Emphasizing the "Made in America" argument, he has highlighted how much of the allocated funds will be spent within the United States to boost weapons manufacturing and job creation nationwide. The administration is optimistic about the potential economic advantages that could materialize alongside the necessary support for Ukraine's defense.

As the debate continues, critics of the bill argue for a shift in focus towards peace agreements in Ukraine, highlighting the human toll of the ongoing conflict.