Biden says he’ll sign foreign aid bill Wednesday after Senate passage
President Biden praised the Senate after the chamber passed a $95 billion emergency foreign aid package Tuesday, saying he would sign the legislation Wednesday at the White House.
“Congress has passed my legislation to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership: we stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression,” Biden said in a statement.
The Senate, in a 79-18 vote, approved a package that includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $15 billion in military aid for Israel, $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and other war-torn areas and $8 billion in security assistance to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific.
The legislation also includes language to force the Chinese owner of TikTok to divest from the popular social media app, which more than 140 million Americans use, or otherwise face a ban within the United States.
The president said he would deliver remarks and sign the bill Wednesday, allowing the U.S. to begin sending fresh weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week.
“I want to thank Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, and all of the bipartisan lawmakers in the Senate who voted for this bill,” Biden said. “This critical legislation will make our nation and world more secure as we support our friends who are defending themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin.”
The White House had for months pleaded with lawmakers to approve additional aid for Ukraine in particular as it fights against Russia’s invasion, but some conservative Republicans had pushed back against providing additional aid to Kyiv.
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