Bipartisan consensus reached on Israel and Ukraine aid package

U.S. congressional leaders have reached a consensus on providing aid to Israel and Ukraine, according to a statement made by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer during a call with President Joe Biden, ABC News reported on April 14.

Speaking at a press conference in New York, Schumer expressed optimism about moving forward with assistance for the two nations. "Hopefully, something can be accomplished this coming week to aid both countries," Schumer stated.

The agreement came after Biden's discussions with bipartisan congressional leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. Schumer advocated for the House to act swiftly by passing a Senate-approved national security supplemental bill, which includes provisions for aid to both Israel and Ukraine.

Read also: As world leaders urge Republicans to help Ukraine, Trump’s influence heeds

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicated earlier that the House would adjust its legislative schedule this week to "consider legislation that supports our ally Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable." Details on the specific legislation to be considered remain unclear, as well as how it might differ from the Senate's version, according to ABC News.

The struggle for U.S. aid 

Republicans in the United States have been blocking the Ukraine aid bill since October 2023, originally tying it to U.S. migration policy.

Read also: 'They should have already done it' - UA Foreign Minister won't get his hopes up on U.S. aid bill

The U.S. Senate passed a bill providing $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with $60 billion allocated to Ukraine on Feb. 13.

House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the Senate proposal and refused to submit it for consideration.

He said he would bring the aid extension to a vote “in a timely manner,” noting the urgent need for aid to Ukraine, Johnson promised after a meeting with President Joe Biden on Feb. 28.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $1.2 trillion funding package for government agencies on March 22, while the Senate passed the same package on March 23, leading President Biden to sign it and call on the House to pass a bill supporting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

Read also: U.S. House Speaker Johnson engages in high-stakes talks for Ukraine aid at White House

The Biden administration was still negotiating new aid for Ukraine with Speaker Johnson as of April 5, who mentioned important amendments to the aid bill on April 1.

Unless the United States provides Ukraine with a new military aid package, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will “destroy everything and kill a lot of people”, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on April 10.

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