US Republican senators block Ukraine, Israel aid in row over immigration
- The vote marked a defeat for Biden, who had asked for US$106 billion in funds and warned Congress that Putin would not stop with victory in Ukraine
- The administration has said that it will run out of money for more Ukraine aid in weeks unless lawmakers act
Republican senators blocked a White House request for US$106 billion in emergency aid primarily for Ukraine and Israel Wednesday as conservatives balked at the exclusion of immigration reforms they had demanded as part of the package.
The vote marked a significant defeat for US President Joe Biden, who had warned Congress earlier in the day that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not stop with victory in Ukraine and could even attack a Nato nation.
The package would include roughly US$60 billion to help Ukraine keep up pressure on Russia during the frigid winter months and around US$10 billion for Israel in its conflict with Hamas militants, plus some aid for Taiwan.
Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate leader, had committed to holding a vote later on adding the border security measures demanded by Republicans in a bid to secure the 60 votes needed to get it over its first procedural hurdle.
But the 49-strong Republican minority in the 100-member upper chamber voted en masse against moving forward, pointing to a lack of government action on the estimated 10,000 migrants crossing from Mexico daily.
