Representatives Ami Bera, Doris Matsui commend Ukraine, Israel aid bill approved today
https://www.elkgrovenews.net/2024/04/representatives-ami-bera-doris-matsui.html
UPDATED 7:30 p.m. |
Marking a significant event, the U.S. Congress, in an unusual Saturday session, has successfully passed a crucial foreign aid bill. This bill is designed to provide substantial assistance to Ukraine in its ongoing defense against Russia's war of aggression.
The bill also sends aid to Israel and Palestine.
Today's vote on the $95 billion bill received bipartisan support, although Republican Speaker Mike Johnson had to rely on a Democratic vote to shepherd it through Congress. The vote was 311-112, with 210 affirmative Democratic votes and 101 for Republicans; three Democratic and four Republican members did not vote, and one Republican voted present.
In a separate bill, the House voted 385 - 34 to send $9 billion to Indo-Pacific allies to counter Chinese threats. All no votes were from far-right conservative representatives.
Sacramento's representatives, Ami Bera (D - CA8) and Doris Matsui (D - CA7) voted in support. The bill will move to the U.S. Senate next week where it is expected to pass and then signed by President Joe Biden.
In his statement, Bera noted the urgency of sending aid to Ukraine.
"Now in its third year, Ukraine is in dire need of assistance to replenish defense stockpiles and give brave Ukrainian soldiers the support they need to win their battle for freedom and democracy, Bera said. "While long overdue, this bill provides urgently needed support to aid Ukraine in defending its homeland and countering Russian aggression."
Matsui said, "This package supports Ukraine in its fight against Russia and Israel as it faces threats from Iran and its proxies, and our allies in the Indo-Pacific countering China's aggression."
Additionally, Matsui noted the humanitarian aid being sent to Palestine. Matsui has faced fierce criticism from progressive activists who call on her to support a cease-fire in the conflict.
"It provides billions of dollars in urgent humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people," she said.
Read more about today's vote in this Washington Post story (no registration required).
Photo by Mathias Reding via Pexels.
UPDATE - The story was updated with the correct voting totals on the Ukraine aid package.
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