Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky is using parliamentary procedures to block the passage of a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill, which includes assistance for Ukraine and Israel, in an effort that could take days. The Senate cleared a critical 60-vote threshold to advance the bill, but without unanimous consent, the process has slowed down. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is pushing for a time agreement to speed up the process, but negotiations over amendments to the package continue.
Senator Paul insists on staying in session for as long as it takes, with the chamber expected to work through the weekend and into next week to reach a final vote. The Republican-controlled Senate is divided over the foreign aid package, with some members pushing for amendments to make changes to the bill, including adding measures related to immigration and border policy. The package includes billions of dollars to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, $14.1 billion in security assistance for Israel, and $9.2 billion in humanitarian assistance, among other provisions.
Despite the Republican attempts to block the bill and demand border security be part of the legislation, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has argued for the necessity of passing the foreign aid package. He emphasized the boosting of American defense production and economy that the legislation will bring, with more than 75% of the funding directed towards investments in the United States. If the bill is eventually passed by the Senate, it would next go to the House where it’s unclear when or whether Speaker Mike Johnson would hold a vote on it, given opposition from many House Republicans to additional aid for Ukraine.
