Senate approves $40 billion more in Ukraine aid, bill goes to White House for Biden signature

The Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly approved $40 billion in military and economic aid for Ukraine and its allies, sending the measure to President Biden for his expected fast approval.

The Democrat-led House passes the measure last week. The vote was 88-11, with all those opposed being Senate Republicans. 

Biden requested a smaller $33 billion spending package with a deadline of Thursday because he's essential spent all of the billions Congress had already appropriated to help Ukraine to continue to fend against neighboring Russia's months-long invasion.

Last week the House approved the Ukraine bill 368-57, with all of those opposed Republicans. Though both measures passed with bipartisan support, those who voted no, particularly in the House, appeared to be supportive of former GOP President Trump's America First positions about such larges sums first going toward helping solve domestic crisis.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., backed the measure, after going to Ukraine this past weekend with a small Senate GOP delegation to show support for that country's efforts against Russia.

The legislation includes roughly $24 billion for weapons, equipment and military financing for Ukraine. And the remainder includes economic aid to keep Ukraine's government functioning and refugee assistance, according to the Associated Press.

Congress approved an initial $13.6 billion measure in March. The combined price tag of nearly $54 billion exceeds what the U.S. spent on all its foreign and military aid in 2019, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, the wire  service also reports.