President Joe Biden on May 21 signed a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine.
Biden signed the bill, H.R. 7691, while traveling in Asia.
The legislation primarily features money for military assistance but also makes available $8 billion for economic support for both Ukraine and countries “impacted by the situation in Ukraine, including for programs to combat human trafficking.”
Another $5 billion is designated for helping ease food shortages in various countries. There’s also about $1.2 billion for assisting refugees.
Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Fighting continues to this day.
The House of Representatives passed the bill 368–57 and the Senate approved it 86–11. You can see how members voted here.
Biden praised Congress after members passed it, saying they sent “a clear bipartisan message to the world that the people of the United States stand together with the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their democracy and freedom.”
“The resources that I requested will allow us to send even more weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, replenish our own stockpile, and support U.S. troops stationed on NATO territory,” he added.
Biden did not issue a statement or make remarks upon signing the legislation and did not comment on the bill or Ukraine while appearing with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yoel in Seoul.
A senior administration official told reporters that U.S. officials would have some “pretty extensive discussions on Ukraine” with their South Korean counterparts.
Biden in talks with Yoon “will highlight the great U.S. appreciation for the Republic of Korea’s strong stance on Ukraine, both in terms of imposition of sanctions and taking of economic steps, and we’ll look for ways to expand that,” the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on a call.
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said after Biden signed the bill that “more help is on the way to the people of Ukraine as their courageous fight against Putin’s war continues,” referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Critics say the legislation sends more money to Ukraine while pressing issues go unresolved in America, including a baby formula shortage and the continued flood of illegal immigrants crossing over the U.S.-Mexico border.
“I support helping Ukraine expel the Russian invasion, but as inflation, gas prices, and shortages wallop Americans here at home I can’t support $40 billion of new spending unless it’s offset with cuts or taken from already authorized funds, especially when the European Union isn’t matching what we’re doing to end this conflict in their own backyard,” Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), who voted against the bill, said in a statement.
From The Epoch Times
