President Biden signed into law a foreign aid package that includes assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as a measure that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S. The aid package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.4 billion for Israel, and $8.1 billion for allies in the Indo-Pacific. The Pentagon announced a new round of military aid for Ukraine worth roughly $1 billion, the largest drawdown of weapons from Defense Department inventories for Ukraine since January 2023. The U.S. will begin sending weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, including air defense munitions, artillery, rocket systems, and armored vehicles.
The White House had sought the foreign aid package more than six months ago, and it faced opposition at times, particularly from conservatives regarding Ukraine aid. The $95 billion package ultimately saw wide bipartisan support and passed both the House and Senate in a bipartisan manner. The legislation also includes provisions to allow the sale of frozen assets of Russian oligarchs and a measure that could lead to a ban on TikTok if it is not sold within a year. President Biden acknowledged the difficult path the package took to his desk but praised the bipartisan efforts that led to its passage.
Many congressional Republicans had opposed aid to Ukraine without addressing domestic border security, but ultimately enough members joined with Democrats to approve the assistance without immigration provisions. A bipartisan group of senators had worked for months to negotiate border security reforms to accompany the aid, but the agreement fell apart after former President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to reject the deal. The Senate passed the assistance on its own after the aid package with border security components fell short. The aid package closely resembles what the Senate had approved months ago but includes provisions to make it more palatable to Republicans.
The TikTok provision was a late addition to the foreign aid package and would force TikTok’s parent company to sell the app within a year, which is an extension from the initial House bill. The app has faced scrutiny from U.S. officials amid concerns about China’s government potentially gaining access to data and using it for spying or manipulation. Despite pushback against the provision, key opposition ultimately dissipated, leading to its inclusion in the final aid package. President Biden emphasized that America stands with its friends, opposes dictators, and bows to no one, particularly not Vladimir Putin.
In conclusion, the foreign aid package signed into law by President Biden provides significant assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and allies in the Indo-Pacific, while also addressing concerns about TikTok and Russian oligarchs. The aid package faced challenges and opposition but ultimately passed with bipartisan support. President Biden emphasized the importance of the aid package for America’s leadership in the world and its commitment to global peace and security. The inclusion of the TikTok provision adds a new dimension to the aid package and reflects ongoing concerns about national security and foreign influence in the digital realm.
