Senate Passes Ukraine, Israel Aid Bill After Fierce GOP Debate

WASHINGTON ― The Senate on Tuesday passed legislation providing U.S. aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after days of fierce intra-party Republican debate over pushing back against Russian President Vladimir Putin and maintaining America’s standing around the world.

The dispute pitted the old guard of the Republican Party against Donald Trump-era conservatives and populists, whose growing influence was able to slow but ultimately not stop the bill in the upper chamber. Its passage in the House is in doubt, however, after House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) poured cold water on it on Monday.

In a speech Monday evening ahead of the vote, Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), the GOP’s 2012 presidential nominee, cast the issue in stark terms, calling it “the most important vote we will ever take as United States senators.” He argued that allowing Putin to win in Ukraine would have far-reaching consequences in Europe and around the globe.

“If we fail to help Ukraine, Putin will invade a NATO nation,” Romney warned. “He may delay his next invasion until he rebuilds his decimated military. But let’s be clear-eyed: Ukraine is not the end; it is a step.”

Taking aim at the bill’s opponents, Romney added: “I know that the shock jocks and online instigators have effectively riled up many in the far reaches of my party. But if your position is being cheered by Vladimir Putin, it’s time to reconsider your position.”

Pro-Trump conservatives lined up against the bill, however, forcing a rare weekend session of the Senate and an early Tuesday vote after hours of speeches by critical senators. They argued that the $95 billion foreign assistance package cost too much and did nothing to secure U.S. borders, even though they voted to block bipartisan