US president urges House to pass aid package for Ukraine

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden on Tuesday urged the House of Representatives to pass the aid package bill for Ukraine and Israel, after a nod by the Senate.

Biden in a statement said the bipartisan supplemental agreement is critical to advancing America’s national security interests.

"It will allow the United States to continue our vital work, together with our allies and partners all around the world, to stand up for Ukraine’s freedom and support its ability to defend itself against Russia’s aggression," he said.

"It will provide Israel with what it needs to protect its people against Hamas terrorists. Significantly, this agreement will provide life-saving humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people, the vast majority of whom have nothing to do with Hamas."

The US president called on the House to move on passing the bill "with urgency."

"We cannot afford to wait any longer. The costs of inaction are rising every day, especially in Ukraine. Already, we are seeing reports of Ukrainian troops running out of ammunition on the front lines as Russian forces continue to attack and Putin continues to dream of subjugating the Ukrainian people," he said.

"If we do not stand against tyrants who seek to conquer or carve up their neighbors’ territory, the consequences for America’s national security will be significant."

- Aid package

The US Senate on Tuesday approved a $95.34 billion assistance plan for Ukraine, Israel, and, Taiwan. It passed the measure by a vote of 70-29, surpassing the required 60-vote threshold required in recent years for approval, but House of Representatives approval is far from certain.

Twenty-two Republicans sided with the majority of Democrats in endorsing the legislation.

The measure includes $60 billion in funding for Ukraine, with another $14 billion to support Israel and US military operations in the region, and more than $8 billion to support US partners in the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan.

It would also allow nearly $10 billion for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza.