The US House of Representatives to Vote on Over $60 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine Including ATACMS Missile Transfer on Saturday
The US House of Representatives has published a bill for aid to Ukraine. The document specifically provides assistance amounting to $60.84 billion and requires the US President's administration to transfer ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, provided that it does not compromise national security or US interests. The relevant document has been posted on the US Senate's website.
Overall, out of the planned $60.84 billion for Ukraine, over $13.8 billion is allocated for purchasing modern military equipment and other defence goods and services, while over $23 billion is earmarked for upgrading the US arsenal, some of which may also be transferred to Ukraine later on.
Additionally, the Foreign Military Financing program includes a grant allocation of $1.6 billion for purchasing weapons from foreign manufacturers.
Regarding economic aid, the bill proposes allocating $7.85 billion in the form of loans until September 30, 2025, with a prohibition on using them for pension payments in Ukraine.
The bill states that no later than 60 days after it becomes effective, President Joe Biden must conclude an agreement with the Ukrainian government on returning the provided funds. Furthermore, after November 2025, the US President can write off 50% of the debt from these loans, and from January 1, 2026, 100% of the debt, provided that Congress supports this decision.
Additionally, within 45 days, the US Congress must receive from the Biden administration a "strategy for supporting Ukraine," which should be developed for several years ahead and include a specific list of goals that the US President's administration aims to achieve.
As Senate Speaker Mike Johnson stated, the vote on this package is expected to take place on Saturday, April 20. He mentioned that after feedback and discussions from House members, the Rules Committee today will publish the text of three bills that will fund the national security interests of America and its allies in Israel, the Indo-Pacific region, and Ukraine, including the credit structure of aid as well as enhanced strategy and accountability.
It's worth noting that US military aid for Ukraine was depleted by the end of 2023. Last year, in October, President Joe Biden submitted a request to Congress for $106 billion for allies. He specifically asked Congress to allocate $61.4 billion for Ukraine, while the rest of the funds were intended for aid to Israel, the Asia-Pacific region, humanitarian efforts in the Gaza sector, and other directions.