US Senate to approve $40-billion aid package for Ukraine

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The US Senate overwhelmingly advanced on Monday a $40-billion package of aid for Ukraine against Russia following an initial procedural vote.

The bill was put on delay as US Republican Senator Rand Paul, representative of Kentucky state, blocked a quick vote to approve it.

On Thursday, Paul blocked the passing of the bill by objecting to a request by Senate members to unanimously approve bills with strong bipartisan support to be fast-tracked without debate.

However, in an 81 to 11 vote, US senators ended the debate, setting up a final vote on the bill for later in the week. The majority of senators are expected to pass the bill for signing with US President Joe Biden on May 18 depending on cooperation from all 100 senators amid several procedural hurdles remaining.

Before the vote, Republican Senator Bill Hagerty told Fox News that: "I certainly don’t have anything against the Ukrainians. We want to see them win, but pumping more aid into that country when we’re not taking care of our own country — the best thing that [President] Biden could do is stop the war that he’s waged on American industry."

Last week, the US House of Representatives easily passed the bill with 368 lawmakers voting in favor of it, while 57 - all Republicans - voted against it.

Earlier this month, Biden addressed the US Congress, requesting extra funding of aid for Ukraine.

The US President had originally asked for $33 billion, but Congress settled to increase the package of aid to nearly $40 billion.

Outrage over House decision

It is noteworthy that the US House of Representatives' approval of the bill sparked outrage on social media in opposition to the decision.

According to CNN and USA Today, 40% of infant formula was out of supply in more than 11,000 locations throughout the US during the week of April 24, compared to an out-of-stock proportion of 2 to 8% during the first half of 2021.

"We are sending 40 Billion to a far-off war while our babies go hungry. No serious country would act in such a manner," wrote Jack Posobiec on Twitter.

Target baby formula shelf. We are sending 40 Billion to a far-off war while our babies go hungry. No serious country would act in such a manner. pic.twitter.com/XnT7RK8vRQ

— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) May 10, 2022

Similarly, Congressman Troy Nehl wrote: "You can support Ukraine without adding another $40 BILLION to our National Debt in the middle of multiple crises at home."

You can support Ukraine without adding another $40 BILLION to our National Debt in the middle of multiple crises at home.

— Congressman Troy Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) May 10, 2022