So much for that border security deal.
The Senate is now poised to move forward with a bill that would provide billions in aid to Ukraine and Israel, setting up an eventual clash with House Republicans.
On Wednesday, 17 Republican senators joined with Democrats to begin debate on a version of the foreign aid bill that no longer includes any of the border security provisions. Hours earlier, the bill failed after Republicans panned the bipartisan deal that they had originally demanded.
Among those voting to proceed on the bill was Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, whose support for Ukraine aid is increasingly at odds with the rest of the GOP.
The $95.34 billion package contains $60 billion in new aid to Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, and $9.15 billion for humanitarian assistance, including for Gaza.
If Republican support stays at about the same level, it would represent a significant decline in support for Ukraine within the Senate GOP. In May 2022 — the last time the Senate voted on a bill primarily dealing with Ukraine aid — 39 GOP senators supported it.
The legislation could see further changes before a final vote, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer saying he expects an open amendment process. Several Democratic senators are hoping to impose new conditions on Israel aid amid the devastating war in Gaza, and Republicans may offer amendments of their own.
Many Republican lawmakers, particularly on the hard right, have been fervently opposed to further aid to Ukraine, arguing that it does not serve American interests and that the money would be better spent domestically in the United States.
Owing to that opposition, it’s unclear what path the bill would have through the House if it passes the Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled some level of support for Ukraine aid since ascending to the top job, but he regularly voted against it as a rank-and-file lawmaker.
Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has threatened to call a vote on ousting Johnson from the speakership if he allows another vote on Ukraine aid.
Meanwhile, some progressive Democrats are likely to oppose the package if it does not include conditions on Israel.
Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont voted against debating the foreign aid bill on Wednesday, saying in a statement that he does not support allowing Israel to “continue its horrific war against the Palestinian people.”
Here are the 17 GOP senators who voted to advance the bill:
- Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia
- Bill Cassidy of Louisiana
- Susan Collins of Maine
- John Cornyn of Texas
- Joni Ernst of Iowa
- Chuck Grassley of Iowa
- John Kennedy of Lousiana
- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky
- Jerry Moran of Kansas
- Lisa Murkowski of Alaska
- Mitt Romney of Utah
- Mike Rounds of South Dakota
- Dan Sullivan of Alaska
- Thom Tillis of North Carolina
- John Thune of South Dakota
- Roger Wicker of Mississippi
- Todd Young of Indiana
If you are a Republican, and your Senator’s name is not on this list, send him/her an email, asking what the fuck he/she is playing at.
Trump will stay on the ballot!
Not sure yet, Veth. The decision of the Supremes is still pending. That their questions sounded like leaning towards Trump’s counter argument is not a sure sign. It may rather point towards that side being rather weak, legally, and the conservative judges trying extra hard to give those lawyers a chance to strengthen their case. We’ll have to wait for the result.
Would be interesting to know how many of these Senators have arms factories in their districts, which profit significantly from the extra budget for the Ukraine war. Those know very well that most of the money stays in the country and creates jobs and profit increases there.
In Texas, 18 of the 25 Republican U.S. representatives have voted against Ukraine aid. At the same time, Texas has received $1.45 billion to produce 155 millimeter shells and other weapons. In Arizona, three of six Republican representatives voted against aid while $2.196 billion poured into the state.
Damn nutcases! Thanks for the info, Foccusser.
I found this map dated from 2023 showing what every state had received. The info has been updated since then, but no map is available.