Former President Trump’s proposal for Ukraine aid to be provided in the form of a loan has sparked a potential breakthrough in Congress as lawmakers seek to pass a supplemental aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The idea of offering assistance to Ukraine as a zero-interest loan with no expiration date has garnered support from both Democrats and Republicans, with many seeing it as a possible solution to move the aid package forward.
The recent Iranian drone attack on Israel has added urgency to the lobbying efforts for foreign aid in Congress, which have been ongoing. The Senate previously passed a $95.3 billion foreign aid package that included funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, but faced opposition from some Republicans who were critical of continued aid to Ukraine and wanted the package to address the southern border crisis.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to bring the supplemental aid package to the House floor for a vote, despite pressure from House Republicans to do so. The package is expected to pass with significant Republican opposition.
As discussions continue on the path forward for foreign aid, House Republican leaders are set to meet to discuss potential solutions for providing aid to Israel and Ukraine. Senate Democrats are open to advancing a package that combines aid for both countries, particularly if assistance to Ukraine is extended as a loan, aligning with Trump’s proposal.
The recent attack on Israel has renewed the push for aid in Congress, with lawmakers considering various options to provide assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The idea of offering aid to Ukraine as a loan has garnered bipartisan support and could be the key to passing a much-needed aid package for the countries in need.
