3 Billion Aid Package

In an impressive display of bipartisan unity, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) successfully pushed through a $95.3 billion aid package on Saturday, effectively rebuffing the efforts of far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Republican rebels. The package includes funding for crucial defense measures against Russia, support for the protection of Israel, and aid to counter China's influence.

Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the four-bill package in a rare bipartisan effort, with a notable provision allocating $60.8 billion to support Ukraine. Approximately 80% of this funding will be directed towards replenishing supplies of US-made weapons and ammunition, bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities. Another $9.5 billion will be provided as a forgivable loan.

Despite the widespread support for the aid package, all of the "nay" votes came from Republicans, including Greene, who has earned the nickname "Moscow Marjorie" due to her alignment with Russian interests. Criticism of Greene's stance came from both major political parties, with Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) responding to her social media post by stating, "Putin's Special Envoy to Congress already delivering for Mother Russia."

Johnson, speaking to reporters, stressed the urgency of the aid package, emphasizing that the United States currently faces significant threats from Russia, Iran, and China, who are working together as a global menace. He stated that American leadership was necessary to combat these adversaries, declaring, "If we turn our backs right now, the consequences could be devastating."

Greene attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to derail the aid package with multiple amendments, including a controversial call for the development of space laser technology on the southwest border. Ironically, the approved bill will allocate funding to help Israel with its own advanced laser-based defense systems.

The aid package also includes provisions such as direct military aid of approximately $17 billion for Israel and $9 billion in humanitarian aid for war-torn regions, including Gaza. Furthermore, it sets aside $8.1 billion to fortify the Indo-Pacific region against Chinese aggression, with half of that amount allocated to Taiwan.

Another bill within the package addresses various Republican priorities, endorsed by Democrats as well. These include a proposed ban on TikTok if its China-based ownership is not relinquished, as well as the authorization to seize about $5 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets to aid in rebuilding Ukraine.

With the majority of House Republicans supporting Johnson's plans (except for the Ukraine aid component), the aid package passed the House with a vote of 311-112. Final Congressional approval is anticipated on Tuesday when the package will be sent to the Senate, with President Biden expressing his intention to sign it into law.

The passing of this comprehensive aid package comes as welcome news for Ukraine, as CIA Director William Burns recently warned of their urgent need for additional US military aid to avoid losing the war with Russia by year-end. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Johnson and other House members, emphasizing the significance of this bill in preserving democracy, protecting lives, and strengthening bilateral relations.

As the House successfully navigates the challenges posed by far-right opposition, the aid package is poised to provide critical support to key allies and bolster America's stance in countering global threats.