Senate Republicans Block $111 Billion Military Aid Bill Over Border Dispute

Senate Republicans blocked a motion to advance a massive $111 billion spending package that includes military aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan over a partisan dispute on border issues.

The effort failed in a vote of 49-51, with every Republican voting against the measure. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) also voted “no” due to his opposition to providing Israel with more unconditional military aid as it’s killing civilians on a massive scale in Gaza. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) switched his vote to “no” when he realized the bill wouldn’t receive the 60 votes it needed so he could bring the bill to the floor again in the future.

President Biden initially requested $106 billion for the spending package, but Senate Democrats increased the number to $111 billion. The legislation includes a whopping $67 billion to spend on Ukraine to fuel the war and prop up the Ukrainian government for another entire year despite clear signs that Ukrainian forces cannot break through Russia’s defenses.