Israel and Ukraine are 'grateful' to the US for approving $95B foreign aid bill, but not everyone is happy

WASHINGTON, DC: On Saturday, April 20 the House overwhelmingly passed a foreign aid package of $95 billion for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

On Friday, April 19, Speaker Mike Johnson risked being ousted and pushed through the long-delayed aid package, receiving bipartisan support to advance the bill as Democrats took the lead.

How did the House vote to approve foreign aid bills? 

The House voted 366-58 votes to approve the Israel aid bill, which is set to provide $26.4 billion in aid to Israel.

For the Ukraine aid bill of nearly $61 billion, the House passed it by 311-112 votes. It will assist Ukraine and others in the region to fight Russia.

Nearly $14 billion included in the bill would help Ukraine buy advanced weapons systems and other defense equipment.

$23 billion to replenish US weapons, stockpiles, and facilities, and more than $11 billion would fund current US military operations in the region. 

CNN noted that Democrats cheered and waved Ukrainian flags during the vote.

From the Republicans, 101 voted yes and 112 no, while one Republican, Dan Meuser voted present. All 210 Democrats said yes. 

The House also passed a bill with bipartisan support of 385-34 providing aid to Indo-Pacific region.

It includes $8.1 billion to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. $3.3 billion for submarine infrastructure. $2 billion for military financing for Taiwan and allies. $1.9 billion to replenish defense items for Taiwan and partners. 

The bill for banning TikTok, which includes sanctions on Iran passed with a bipartisan vote of 360-58.

The House, however, with 215-199 votes, didn’t pass a border security bill. It was meant to encourage conservatives to back a foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

How did Israel and Ukraine respond to the US approving the aid bill?

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed gratitude and hoped it would pass the US Senate soon. 

"Thank you @SpeakerJohnson for your leadership which led the efforts to pass the Israel aid package in the House of Representatives today. And thank you Minority Leader @RepJeffries for supporting it," Katz wrote on X.

"The vote on the Israel aid package with an overwhelming bipartisan support proves the strong ties and strategic partnership between Israel and the U.S. and sends a strong message to our enemies. I hope it passes the Senate soon with strong bipartisan support," he added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was "grateful to the United States House of Representatives, both parties."

"Democracy and freedom will always have global significance and will never fail as long as America helps to protect it," Zelensky said in the post on X.

"The vital U.S. aid bill passed today by the House will keep the war from expanding, save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both of our nations to become stronger," he added.

"Just peace and security can only be attained through strength. We hope that bills will be supported in the Senate and sent to President Biden’s desk. Thank you, America!" Zelensky concluded.

Will Speaker Mike Johnson be ousted?

The opposing Republicans are split over ousting Mike Johnson, but as of now, he is safe.

Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene said she won’t move forward with her motion to vacate House speaker on Saturday. She said she wants her GOP colleagues to “go home and hear from their constituents," the publication reported. 

Republican Abigail Spanberger also expressed openness in saving speaker Johnson.  “I want this place to function, and any future votes I take will be related to my desire to keep on the job,” she said

“I'm gonna vote for us to continue to be able to govern and we need to be a functional body," she added.

Reps Anna Paulina Luna and Matt Gaetz also rejected the idea of ousting Speaker Mike Johnson on Saturday. 

How is the Internet reacting to the passing of the foreign aid bill? 

The Internet is abuzz with all sorts of reactions over the foreign bills getting approved.

"House passes $95 billion foreign aid package. How about giving that to the American people before foreign governments?" tweeted a netizen on X (formerly Twitter). 

"If you love this country, please answer the following question. How in the hell could Speaker Johnson and House Republicans passed a $95 billion dollars foreign aid bill without protecting America’s southern border? This is BS!" said one more.

One more wrote, "@mtgreenee You @SpeakerJohnson @RepMcCaul just ADDED to our inflation by passing this MONSTER Biden foreign aid bill!! Bunch of hypocrite politicians!!"

One said, "So the house slipped the tik tok ban into the foreign aid bill which will give Biden no choice but to sign it if the senate passes it."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.