US House approves $300mln aid to Ukraine, 2024 defense budget

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Sep 2023 08:09

Both bills are currently headed to the Senate for consideration.

Storm clouds pass over the House of Representatives, foreground, side of the US Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 (AP)

The US House of Representatives approved a bill that allocates $300 million to Ukraine and funds defense spending for 2024.

Late on Thursday, the House passed the 2024 Defense Department spending legislation with a vote of 218-210, omitting the $300 million security assistance for Ukraine that had initially been included.

This funding for Ukraine was removed from the defense bill earlier on the same Thursday.

The $826 billion defense bill encompasses funding to counter China and strengthen Taiwan's defense, including speeding up the delivery of US arms to the region.

Nevertheless, the House subsequently passed a separate bill in a 311-117 vote, providing $300 million for additional security assistance to Ukraine. This bill also designates $20 million for establishing a new Office of Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance, tasked with reviewing and auditing Ukraine aid.

Notably, all 117 votes against the $300 million Ukraine aid bill were cast by Republican congressmen, while 101 Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting the measure.

Both bills are now headed to the Senate for consideration.

On Tuesday, the Senate moved forward with a brief spending measure, allocating approximately $6 billion for Ukraine.

The proposal is anticipated to face strong resistance in the House, where Republicans hold the majority, raising the risk of a government shutdown before the month's end deadline.

Despite receiving backing from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and others in the Senate, US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has expressed doubt about the bill's chances of passage in the lower chamber.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham made it clear on Wednesday that the party would withhold its support for a comprehensive 2024 spending budget unless it addresses significant measures to address the ongoing situation at the US southern border.

Should Congress approve the Senate's temporary spending bill, it would ensure the continued operation of the US government until November 17.