What is in US Congress’ $40 billion aid package for Ukraine?

The United States Congress is all set to clear the largest aid package to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country on February 24, 2022. The House of Representatives cleared it on Tuesday and the legislation will now go to the Senate.

President Joe Biden had requested about $33 billion for the package, however, the demand was beefed up by a bipartisan Congress. The new legislation would bring American support for the effort to nearly $54 billion.

Also Read: What Vladimir Putin did not say in his 11-minute Victory Day speech

How is the aid going to be used?

House and Senate lawmakers from both parties have clarified before that the aid will be largely focused on fulfilling the humanitarian and military efforts of Ukraine. 

The new measure includes $6 billion to arm and train Ukrainian forces, $8.7 billion to restore American stores of weapons shipped to Ukraine and $3.9 billion for United States forces deployed to eastern European regions.

There is also $8.8 billion in economic support for Ukraine, $4 billion to help Ukraine and its allies finance arms and equipment purchases and $900 million for housing, education and other help for Ukrainian refugees in the United States.

What is the future of the bill?

The legislation is not expected to face any difficulties in making it to President Joe Biden’s desk. It passed the House of Representatives with a 368-57 vote and is likely to see similar success in the Senate.

Also Read: What is in Joe Biden’s WWII-style Ukraine bill?

Lawmakers from the Republican and Democratic parties have echoed the need for quick action. “As Putin desperately accelerates his campaign of horror and brutality in Ukraine, time is of the essence,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement, Associated Press reported.

Multiple American executives and senior lawmakers have recently travelled to Ukraine to get a first-hand perspective of the situation. These included House Speaker Pelosi along with a Congressional delegation, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and First Lady Jill Biden.