Wisconsin Senators Split on Foreign Aid Package

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 -- 1:01 PM

(Lawrence Andrea, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) The Senate on Tuesday passed a $95 billion package to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, marking the final approval from Congress after months of delays and debate over the United States' support for its allies.

According to Lawrence Andrea with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin's congressional delegation was divided over the legislation. In the Senate, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson voted against the measure, citing lack of border security policy and his opposition to additional aid to Ukraine, while Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin joined the majority in approving the package.

It passed on a 79-18 vote. The legislation would provide $60.8 billion in aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia; $26.3 billion to Israel as it battles Hamas, including about $9 billion in global humanitarian assistance; and just over $8 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific in an effort to deter China's threat to the region.

It also included provisions from House Republicans to impose sanctions on Iran and Russia, seize frozen Russian assets and legislation from Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher that could result in a U.S. ban of the video sharing app Tik Tok.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.