The US House of Representatives has greenlit a $61 billion aid package to support allies including Ukraine and Israel. The funds will be allocated towards defense, healthcare, education, and economic development. The move signifies renewed commitment from the US towards these countries and aims to reinforce relationships amid their political and economic challenges.
The majority approval for the aid plan reveals an acknowledged need to extend US backing for Ukraine. Demonstrating unity among lawmakers, the symbolic act of displaying the Ukrainian national flag in the house chamber by many Democrats underlined US commitment to the Ukrainian support.
However, not all were in agreement, illustrated by the divided stand of the seven-member delegation from Alabama. Republicans Robert Aderholt and Mike Rogers, along with Democrat Terri Sewell, opted for the aid.
US House greenlights $61 billion international aid
Yet, their fellow Republicans, Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Gary Palmer, and Dale Strong voted against it, highlighting ideological differences within the group.
Mike Rogers expressed concerns about the support that nations like China, North Korea, and Iran could extend to Russia, negatively impacting US prestige and allies’ security. He further hinted at the possible repercussions if Putin succeeds in Ukraine, opening doors for more territorial infringements in Eastern Europe.
Backing his stance for the aid, Robert Aderholt argued that it could empower Ukraine with American-made weapons, thus standing against Russian aggression and simultaneously fueling American manufacturing industries. He implied that the aid would concurrently strengthen national security and support local economies.
The aid proposal for Israel and other allies also enjoyed wide approval. The entire package is expected to be endorsed by the Senate by Tuesday. President Joe Biden assured to sanction the aid as soon as approved by the Senate. Finally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude towards both US political factions.
