The House of Representatives passed on Tuesday evening an additional $40 billion aid package for Ukraine as it continues to face an assault from Russia.
Not one Republican or Democrat crossed party lines, resulting in a 217-202 vote with only Democrats passing the massive aid package. Four Democrats and seven Republicans did not cast a vote to adopt the legislation into law.
The money allocated in the package includes $67 million for the Justice Department to sell off the seized yachts taken from Russian oligarchs as well as COVID funds for the war-torn Eastern European country.
Following the passage of the resolution, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took ti the podium to speak – referencing many times her leading a Democratic delegation to Poland and surprise trip to Ukraine.
She said the newly passed legislation ‘will have an immediate and substantial difference to what is happening in Ukraine.’
‘As Putin desperately accelerates his campaign of horror and brutality in Ukraine, time is of the essence. That is why we’re so pleased to hear that we could proceed immediately with this bill to put it on the president’s desk so that the assistance can reach the people of Ukraine,’ Pelosi said after the vote.
‘We cannot afford to wait.’
Republicans, however, are against the package, claiming they don’t want to send billions of U.S. money overseas.
Pelosi earlier Tuesday: ‘With this aid package, America sends a resounding message to the world of our unwavering determination to stand with the courageous people of Ukraine until victory is won.’
Lawmakers increased President Joe Biden”s original $33 billion request, adding $3.4 billion in military aid and $3.4 billion in humanitarian assistance, for the Ukrainians.
The money includes $67 million for DOJ’s General Administration section to help cover the costs of seizing, retaining, and selling forfeited property – such as the yachts of Russian oligarchs – related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.