U.S. Senate passed the foreign aid bill in a vote on April 23, paving the way to provide $60.84 billion for Ukraine.
The bill was approved with 79 votes in favor and 18 against.
The bill now heads to the White House to be signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden.
“I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week,” Biden said in a White House press release after the vote.
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked U.S. lawmakers for supporting the bill.
“I am also grateful to all Americans who continue to support Ukraine and recognize that the historic significance of this bill transcends politics,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky identified air defense systems, long-range weapons, and artillery as Ukraine’s most urgent needs, calling the materiel “crucial tools for the speedy restoration of a just peace.”
Prior to the vote, some Republican senators spoke out against the bill, citing concerns of inadequate funding for domestic security at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Republican Senator Mike Lee, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, voiced opposition to the aid package.
“Congress cares more about sending billions to wage war in foreign countries … than saving our own country, especially at a time when we’re being invaded,” Lee said, referring to migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Other Republican senators spoke in favor of passing the bill, citing the need to combat Russian aggression in Europe.
Prior to starting his speech on the floor, Sen. Lindsey Graham said “history will judge what we do here today.”
“If Russia believes we can’t stick with Ukraine, they’re going to keep going,” added Graham, echoing warnings from EU leaders that Russia may attack another European country if it is successful in Ukraine.
