Senate passes Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan aid package totaling $95 billion, ‘deterrence that Putin hoped would not come,’ says Murkowski

The Senate overwhelmingly passed controversial H.R.815, a combination of $95 billion in assistance to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and Indo-Pacific allies. Both Sen. Dan Sullivan and Sen. Lisa Murkowski voted in favor of the aid package.

The bill had earlier passed a split House, with all Democrats voting for it, along with some Republicans led by the House Speaker. The bill was particularly controversial in the House because it contains no support for U.S. border security. Rep. Mary Peltola of Alaska voted in favor of the bill.

“This national security legislation is NOT an exhibit of Joe Biden’s foreign policy triumphs but a response to his failures: the Afghan debacle that emboldened Putin, the border crisis, and the delay of EVERY major weapon system the Ukrainians have said they need,” Sen. Dan Sullivan explained in a post on X/Twitter.

The package has $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.4 billion for Israel, and $8.1 billion to support Indo-Pacific allies that are fighting Chinese aggression.

Specifically, the bill provides additional funding for:

• Department of Defense
• Department of Energy science programs
• National Nuclear Security Administration
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Administration for Children and Families
• Department of State
• U.S. Agency for International Development

The bill provides the funding for purposes such as:

• Assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan
• Improvements to the submarine industrial base
• Development and production of isotopes
• FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program
• Refugee assistance
• Security at U.S. diplomatic facilities in Ukraine and Israel
• Humanitarian assistance
• Oversight of assistance provided to Israel and Ukraine

The measure allows Russian assets seized by the United States to be sold off in order to support Ukraine. There is a widening of sanctions against Iran in the package, as well. The bill includes provisions that expand the authorities of the president to transfer defense articles and services from Department of Defense to foreign countries or international organizations; and prohibit funds from being used for payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.

“Despite my frustration and the real-world consequences of the delays associated with this critical assistance, today’s vote comes as a desperate relief to our allies abroad and those who prioritize our national security here at home,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. “This package supports Ukraine, Israel, and our partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region as they fight to defend themselves and preserve their sovereignty. This is the deterrence that Putin hoped would not come. This is support for desperately needed humanitarian aid in Israel. This also expands sanctions on Iranian oil, which the Biden administration must enforce to the letter. The supplemental requires a level of accountability and oversight with these funds for our allies. And importantly, it helps restore our defense capabilities.”

The bill goes to the president’s desk for a signature.