U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law an aid package providing crucial military assistance to Ukraine, capping months of negotiations and debate and overcoming months of opposition by Republicans in Congress.
The aid package, passed by the Senate late Tuesday evening and worth $95 billion in total, includes nearly $61 billion in aid to Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific.
“I just signed into law the national security package that was passed by the House of Representatives this weekend and by the Senate yesterday,” Biden said, in remarks delivered from the White House, shortly after signing the bill. “It’s going to make America safer. It’s going to make the world safer,” he added.
Biden and the Democrats describe the Ukraine aid as an investment in US security against future Russian aggression targeting other countries.
Today, we answered history’s call at this critical inflection point.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 24, 2024
With the signing of our national security package, we tell the world that America stands resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression. pic.twitter.com/APhOSWWJLN
Breakdown of $95 billion foreign aid package
The legislation includes:
- $60.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
- $26.3 billion for Israel and humanitarian relief for civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza.
- $8.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific region to bolster its defenses against China.
TikTok ban provision
The $95 billion foreign aid package also includes a bill that could eventually lead to the banning of social media app TikTok in the United States. The measure gives a provision that gives TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, roughly nine months to sell it or face a nationwide prohibition in the United States.
TikTok plans to fight the measure in court. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said in a video message on the platform: “Make no mistake, this is a ban. A ban on TikTok and a ban on you and your voice.”
US to provide $61 billion in military aid to Ukraine
“It was a difficult path,” Biden said. “It should have been easier. It should have gotten there sooner. But in the end, we did what America always does: We rose to the moment, came together. We got it done.”
Biden said the shipments of military supplies to Ukraine will begin “in the next few hours,” and would include air-defense equipment and munitions for artillery and rocket systems, along with armored vehicles. “America is going to send Ukraine the supplies they need to keep them in the fight,” Biden said, speaking from the White House after signing the aid bill on April 24.
BREAKING: Biden speaks after signing $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) April 24, 2024
“This package is literally an investment not only in Ukraine’s security but in our own security.” pic.twitter.com/SzmggC7coF
The Pentagon announced a $1 billion aid package would go to Ukraine moments after Biden signed the bill into law. Among the capabilities included in the new package is ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), artillery rounds, RIM-7 and AIM-9M air defense missiles, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and more. It also includes various logistics and tactical vehicles, anti-armor systems, training munitions and spare parts, and small arms ammunition including .50 caliber rounds to counter drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had pleaded for help replenishing his country’s resources to fight the Russian advances, expressed gratitude to the U.S. president and lawmakers. “I am grateful to the United States Senate for approving vital aid to Ukraine today,” he wrote on social media platform X, adding: “Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defense are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner.”
“During recent days we were actively working with our American friends — at all levels — to fill in this package with those weapons our warriors need,” Zelenskyy said in his regular address to the nation. “From ATACMS and artillery, from anti-tank weapons and missiles for HIMARS, to needed air defense and equipment. Now we will do everything to compensate that half a year which was spent in debates and doubts.”
Support for Israel remains ironclad: Biden
The bill also includes about $26 billion in aid for Israel. “My commitment to Israel, I want to make clear again, is ironclad. The security of Israel is critical. I will always make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and terrorists it supports. And with this aid, the United States can help replenish Israel’s air defense and provide other critical defense so Iran can never carry out the destruction it intended with its attack 10 days ago.” Iran launched over 100 missiles and drones at Israel in reprisal attacks though it inflicted only minimal damage.
The bill also includes about $1 billion in humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza. This includes food, medical supplies, and clean water. “And Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay,” Biden urged.
