The move was passed after a vote in the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives, with a 316-94 vote, with more support from the Democratic Party than the Republican Party.
The aid package includes nearly $61 billion for Ukraine, of which about $23 billion will be used to replenish U.S. arsenals, reserves, and facilities. More than $11 billion funds current U.S. military operations in the region, and nearly $14 billion helps Ukraine purchase advanced weapons systems and other defense equipment.
The US Capitol Building in Washington. Photo: Reuters
The aid package will provide $26.4 billion to Israel, which is specifically designed to support “its efforts to defend itself against Iran and its proxies.” $4 billion of that will go toward the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems, and $1.2 billion toward the Iron Beam defense system to counter threats from short-range rockets and mortars.
$4.4 billion will be used to supplement Israeli defense items and services, and $3.5 billion to purchase advanced weapons systems and other items through the Foreign Military Financing Program.
There is also $9.2 billion in humanitarian assistance, including emergency food, shelter and basic services for people in crisis. The aid package also includes $8.1 billion for US allies in the Indo- Pacific region.
In addition to aid to allies, the package includes a provision to transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, as well as sanctions targeting Hamas and Iran, and forcing Chinese company ByteDance to sell its TikTok app or face a ban in the US.
After being passed by the US House of Representatives, the package will move to the US Senate for approval, then be sent to President Joe Biden to sign into law.
"The world is watching what the US Congress does. Passing this legislation will send a powerful message about the strength of American leadership at a critical time," the White House said in a statement.
Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters, CNN)
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