The U.S. House of Representatives approved more than $40 billion in aid to Ukraine after President Joe Biden had warned that funds to help Kyiv fend off a Russian invasion would run out in a few days.
According to Reuters, 368 deputies voted for the bill, 57 against, with every 'no' vote coming from Republicans.
The bill now heads to the Senate, which is expected to consider the aid package by week's end.
Joe Biden urged Congress to act quickly so he could sign the bill before the available defense aid for Ukraine ends in May.
"This bill will protect democracy, limit Russian aggression, and strengthen our own national security, while, most importantly, supporting Ukraine," Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said.
Some Republicans opposed the bill, criticizing Democrats for moving too quickly to send too many U.S. taxpayer dollars abroad.
What the US support package includes:
- $6 billion in security assistance, including training, equipment, weapons, and support;
- $8.7 billion to replenish stockpiles of American equipment sent to Ukraine;
- $3.9 billion for European Command operations;
- $4 billion in foreign military funding to support Ukraine and other countries hit by the crisis;
- an additional $11 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority, allowing the President to approve the transfer of articles and services from U.S. stocks without congressional approval in response to an emergency. Biden had asked for $5 billion for this
Under the Lend-Lease program, Ukraine will get: third-generation M1A2 Abrams tanks, M2A3 Bradley US infantry fighting vehicles, M109A6 Paladin self-propelled artillery mounts, HIMARS MLRS, M270 MLRS4 multipurpose launcher, Norwegian NASAMS 2 MANPADS, ADMS Patriot, multifunctional fighter jets of the 4th generation F-16 C/D.
Three days ago, the U.S. Department of Defense announced providing $150 million in security assistance to Ukraine. The assistance package includes: 25,000 155-mm artillery shells, 3 AN/TPQ-36 anti-artillery systems, electronic equipment for interference blanking.
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