The transfer of U.S. aid to Israel and Ukraine has been hampered by a Senate battle between Republicans and Democrats. On the night between Wednesday and Thursday (Israel time), Republicans blocked the vote on approving the aid amid disagreements over U.S. border security policy.
Biden announces aid plans for Israel and Ukraine in speech to the American nation (Archive) \\ Reuters
The bill, which has not yet been passed, totals $111 billion, of which $50 billion is in security assistance to Ukraine, and another $14 billion in military aid to Israel in its war against Hamas.
49 voted against approving the aid to 51 supporters, while 60 votes were needed to advance the legislation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, chose to vote against so he could put the bill up for a revote.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican
Senate Republicans have insisted on combining foreign aid with changes in immigration policy. So far, no agreement has been reached between the parties on the disputed issue.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said ahead of the vote that Republicans would block the bill when it is debated because they believe it does not adequately address border security. "Legislation that doesn't include changes to our border security policies won't pass the Senate," McConnell said.
Blamed the Republicans, Chuck Schumer (archive),
Schumer accused Republicans of "taking hostages" because the path to deliver aid to Ukraine and Israel remains unclear. Schumer warned Tuesday that "without more help from Congress, Ukraine could fall, democracy in Europe could be in danger."
If the parties do not agree on the wording of the resolution, the aid may be delayed until after the Christian holidays at the end of December. In recent times, many Republicans have become reluctant to continue supporting a Ukraine that is not meeting the goals of the counteroffensive in Russia.
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