US Senate finally approves law that includes aid package for Ukraine

This is stated on the official website of the US Senate.

The bill provides $95.3 billion for three countries: Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

The final result of the vote: 70 in favor and 29 against. This means that the bill received virtually bicameral support from senators.

After the vote in the Senate, the bill will be passed to the House of Representatives. It is unknown when House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, will vote on the bill and whether he will do so at all. He has already said that he does not intend to submit this document for consideration.

Reaction of the US Senate leaders

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the bill one of the most historic and consistent decisions ever made in the upper house of the US Congress, Ukrinform reports.

"Today we have witnessed one of the most historic and coherent bills ever passed in the Senate. It's definitely been years, or even decades, since the Senate passed a bill that has such an impact not only on our national security, the security of our allies, but also on the security of Western democracy. As I said: "If we want the world to remain a safe place for freedom, democratic principles, and future prosperity, then America must lead by example." By approving this bill, the Senate is saying that American leadership will not disintegrate or fail," he said.

According to Schumer, by approving this bill, the Senate has kept its word to Ukrainians who desperately need arms supplies.

"Today we are making sure that Putin regrets questioning American resolve. And we are making it clear to others, like Chinese President Xi Jinping, not to test our resolve. And we are also sending a clear bipartisan message of our resolve to our NATO allies," he added.

Schumer also expressed confidence that if House Speaker Mike Johnson brings this bill to a vote, it will also be approved with strong bipartisan support.

Gratitude from Ukraine's President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

"I am grateful to Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, and every US Senator who has supported continued assistance to Ukraine as we fight for freedom, democracy, and the values we all hold dear. For us in Ukraine, continued US assistance helps to save human lives from Russian terror. It means that life will continue in our cities and will triumph over war,” he wrote.

He added that US assistance is bringing a just peace to Ukraine and restoring global stability, which will contribute to greater security and prosperity for all Americans and the free world.

For his part, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted on his Telegram that "the bulk of the amount ($50 billion) is defense support. There will be even more weapons, equipment and ammunition for our defenders.”

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also wrote words of gratitude on the X network:

"I am grateful to the Senate Republican Mitch McConnell and Democratic Chuck Schumer leadership, as well as all Senators, for supporting not only additional assistance for Ukraine but also America's global posture and strength. This signal of unwavering bipartisan support is greatly needed and appreciated.”

“We anticipate further steps to counter Russian aggression, bring just peace in Ukraine closer, and maintain the international order that the United States helped to establish and that protects all Americans and other free nations,” he added.

• On February 8, 67 senators voted in favor of the draft law with a total of $95 billion in foreign aid. After agreeing on the amendments, the Senate was to vote on the substance of the bill and submit it to the House of Representatives.
• On the night of February 13, the U.S. Senate stopped the debate on aid to Ukraine, paving the way for the main vote.