US Senate sets test vote on Ukraine aid despite Republican opposition By Reuters

© Reuters. The U.S. Capitol constructing is seen in Washington, U.S., December 1, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photograph

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Democratic-led U.S. Senate is because of vote afterward Wednesday on an effort to advance safety help for Ukraine and Israel, regardless of Republicans’ willpower to dam the invoice in a battle over immigration coverage.

“The query earlier than the Senate at the moment is easy, but momentous: will Senators agree to start debate – only a debate – on laws to defend America’s nationwide safety, on a difficulty so essential it goes to the precise preservation of Western and democratic values on the planet?” Democratic Majority Chief Chuck Schumer mentioned in remarks opening the Senate.

However Republicans mentioned they might oppose a procedural vote to start out debate on the $110 billion safety help invoice.

“At this time’s vote is what it takes for the Democratic chief to acknowledge that Senator Republicans imply what we are saying. Then let’s vote. After which let’s lastly begin assembly America’s nationwide safety priorities, together with proper right here at dwelling,” Senate Republican Chief Mitch McConnell mentioned in a flooring speech.

Congressional Republicans and Democrats have been debating for months the right way to tackle Democratic President Joe Biden’s request for billions of {dollars} in funding for Ukraine because it fights Russian invaders, Israel after the Oct. 7 assaults by Islamist Hamas militants, U.S. pursuits within the Indo-Pacific and different safety issues.

However repeated White Home requests have did not advance, and tempers have grow to be more and more frayed on Capitol Hill. Democrats argue that assist for allies is crucial to assist world democracy and keep off autocracy.

Republicans contend that extreme unlawful immigration throughout the southern border with Mexico is a massively essential safety concern, and say they need extra accountability than they’re getting from the Biden administration for U.S. taxpayer funds that go overseas.

Schumer mentioned he would attempt to break the deadlock by providing Republicans the prospect so as to add an modification on border coverage on laws together with assist to Ukraine and Israel to the $110.5 billion invoice introduced on Tuesday.