Democratic and Republican senators of the United States this Sunday revealed details of a $118.2 billion aid proposal for Ukraine, Israel and the southern border of the United States, after lengthy behind-the-scenes negotiations. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that a vote to pass the bill is scheduled for Wednesday.
The Democrat said that the bipartisan agreement is a monumental step toward strengthening US national security abroad and along its borders. “This is one of the most necessary and important pieces of legislation that Congress has introduced in years to ensure America’s future prosperity and security,” he noted.
The proposed bill seeks $94.4 billion, allocating $60.1 billion to Ukraine, $14.1 billion to Israel and $20.2 billion to bolster U.S. border security, NBC news reported.
Smaller funds would also be allocated to humanitarian assistance in war-torn areas and defense operations in the Red Sea and Taiwan.
“I am proud that after four months of tough negotiations we have reached a bipartisan agreement that is the product of commitment, hard work and perseverance. “The priorities of this bill are too important to ignore and too vital to allow politics to get in the way,” the senator said.
The new proposal stands out for including a significant increase in funding for border security, adding more than $13 billion in additional dollars, NBC indicated.
“A determined and bipartisan response”
Chuck Schumer expressed concern about the multiple and complex challenges to democracy and national security, driven by adversaries seeking to extend their authoritarian influence globally, and underscored the need for a decisive, bipartisan response from Congress to address these threats.
“The Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Agreement does just that: providing billions in vital investments in U.S. national security to confront growing threats in the Middle East and Red Sea, equipping Ukraine to fight against (Vladimir) Putin, helps Israel defend itself against forces that want to wipe a Jewish state off the map and, at the same time, provide humanitarian assistance to innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” he noted.
The senator added that it is also responding to the call for humanitarian assistance around the world and bolstering Taiwan and other allies in the Indo-Pacific region against China. It also includes a historic increase in operational and emergency funds to protect communities and institutions at risk in the country.
“In the coming days, the Senate must act decisively on this emergency supplemental funding for national security,” the Senate Majority Leader said. “On Monday I will take the first procedural step to get this passed in the Senate with the first vote on Wednesday. “This is too important to let the calendar get in the way,” he added.
The Democrat urged bipartisan cooperation to move quickly on approval, despite resistance from Republicans, especially from a pro-Trump group. He stressed the importance of American leadership and the need for decisive action by the Senate.
Schumer expressed confidence that the Senate can overcome the current circumstances to make progress for the benefit of the United States.
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