U.S. senators voted overwhelmingly to send President Joe Biden a USD 40 billion aid package for Ukraine that will provide additional economic, humanitarian, and military support to the country.
The 86-11 vote marks the 2nd time Congress cleared a multibillion-dollar package since Russia invaded. Negotiators opted both times to increase the amount of money the White House requested.
Republicans were the only ones to vote against the fresh infusion of aid, with some saying the U.S. shouldn’t be involved in the war Russia began when it invaded Ukraine and others saying they didn’t want to add to the national debt.
Republican Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty (Tennessee), John Boozman (Arkansas), Mike Braun (Indiana), Mike Crapo of Idaho, Josh Hawley (Missouri), Mike Lee (Utah), Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Roger Marshall (Kansas), Rand Paul (Kentucky), Tommy Tuberville (Alabama) voted against the bill.
“When Americans go to the grocery store, they pay more for the products. When they go to the gas station, they will spend more on fuel. Because there is no free lunch. USD 40 billion does not come from the air. Debt causes inflation”, - said Rand Paul.