US Republicans block Ukraine aid
"Today's vote will be remembered for a long time", warns the US President to Congress when it comes to releasing new aid for Ukraine. However, this makes no impression on the Republicans. They voted unanimously against the package.
The US Senate has blocked billions of dollars in new security aid for Ukraine and Israel. The 110.5 billion dollar package did not receive the necessary 60 votes in a cross-party vote to come up for debate in the 100-member Senate. All Republicans in the Senate voted no, as did independent Senator Bernie Sanders, who usually votes with the Democrats but had expressed concerns about funding Israel's "current inhumane military strategy" against the Palestinians.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also voted "no" for procedural reasons to allow the proposal to be reconsidered. After the vote, the Democrat spoke of a "serious moment that will have lasting consequences for the 21st century" and risked the decline of Western democracy.
US President Joe Biden had declared his willingness to make "major compromises" in the run-up to the vote and warned: "Make no mistake, today's vote will be remembered for a long time. History will make a harsh judgment ... we cannot allow (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to win".
Democrats argue that aid to allies is essential to support global democracy and fight autocracy. Blocking the bill would signal to both opponents and allies of the US that the United States does not stand behind its international partners.
Republicans push for restrictive immigration policy
By voting no, the Republicans want to push through their demands for a stricter immigration policy and control of the southern border. They are also calling for more accountability for American taxpayers' money flowing abroad. Schumer had previously stated that he would try to break the stalemate with an amendment on border policy.
Republicans and Democrats in Congress have been arguing for months over the funding of the billions in aid requested by President Joe Biden for Ukraine and Israel, for US interests in the Indo-Pacific and for international humanitarian aid. Agreement on a new budget was only possible after aid for Ukraine was excluded. There is resistance to further military aid for the government in Kiev, particularly among Republicans.
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- Despite Joe Biden's urging to approve new aid for Ukraine, the Democrats' efforts were hindered by the unanimous no votes from the Republicans in the Senate, including independent Senator Bernie Sanders who shared concerns about funding for Israel's military strategy.
- Amidst the blocking of Ukraine aid, the Republicans used the opportunity to push their agenda for a more restrictive immigration policy and increased control over the southern border, calling for accountability in the allocation of American taxpayer funds abroad.
- In response to the Republicans' opposition, Democrats argue that providing aid to allies is crucial for supporting global democracy and fighting autocracy, expressing concern that the vote could signal to both opponents and allies that the United States may not always stand by its international partners.
Source: www.ntv.de
