Senate Republicans blocked a $110 billion aid bill for Ukraine after failing to secure border compromises they wanted.
The package included $61 billion for Ukraine, alongside funds for Israel and Gaza.
Concerns loom over dwindling US funds for Ukraine, with warnings that failure to secure more aid raises the risk of losing the war to Russia.
While generally supportive, some Republican members aimed to leverage the issue to address domestic border concerns.
Despite unanimous Republican opposition, President Biden expressed willingness to compromise on border issues to pass the aid bill, highlighting the urgency to prevent aiding Putin.
The Biden administration announced $175 million in new security assistance for Ukraine but faced escalating tensions during a failed briefing aimed at garnering support for additional funds.
Tensions flared over border security and asylum rules, causing disruptions and canceled briefings.
Senate Majority Leader Schumer emotionally urged senators to defend democracy in Ukraine, stressing Putin’s scrutiny.
Ukraine’s presidential office warned that without more aid, winning the war and liberating Russian-held areas would be extremely challenging, affecting the country’s morale.
The Senate bill fell short by nine Republican votes needed to advance, leading to uncertainty about progress before Congress’s holiday break.
Negotiations remained complex due to Republican demands for additional asylum rule changes.
Despite passing in the Senate, the aid package would have faced hurdles in the House without significant border security measures, according to House Speaker Johnson.
White House budget director Shalanda Young emphasized the need for Congressional action to supply weapons to Ukraine by year-end.
Ukrainian officials emphasized the vital role of US aid in resisting Russian forces and reclaiming occupied territory.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders opposed the bill, citing concerns about allocating military aid to Israel amid its Gaza campaign, criticizing it as violating international law.
Source-BBC
