President Joe Biden has signed an aid package totaling $95 billion, providing military assistance to Ukraine, as well as funds for Israel and the Indo-Pacific region. The aid package, which includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific region, also includes a provision that could lead to the banning of TikTok in the United States within nine months.
Biden, sporting a US-Ukrainian flag pin, described the signing as a “good day for America, Ukraine, and world peace.” The aid package faced months of negotiations, with some House Republicans opposing further funding to Ukraine. However, Biden lobbied for the aid bill, stressing the importance of supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
The Senate passed the aid package with a vote of 79-18, though some Democrats voted against it due to opposition to aid for Israel. Military supplies, including air-defense equipment, munitions, armored vehicles, and long-range missiles, will be sent to Ukraine quickly, with the aid package also including long-range missiles already sent earlier this month.
Despite signing the bill that could potentially lead to TikTok being banned in the US, Biden’s campaign plans to continue using the app to reach voters, especially young Americans. Under the new law, TikTok’s parent company has 270 days to sell the app or face being banned from US app stores and internet hosting services that support it.
