WASHINGTON (TVBS News) — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed for the first time on Thursday (March 14) his intention to push for the passing of the foreign aid bill, aimed at assisting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan - key partners in the Indo-Pacific.
In the third year of Ukraine's fight against Russian invasion, the nation's most pressing issue is ammunition shortage. The foreign aid bill, passed by the Senate, totals at US＄95.34 billion. Approximately US＄60 billion is allocated to aid Ukraine, US＄14 billion for Israel, and US＄4.83 billion to assist the Indo-Pacific partners including Taiwan.
Johnson plans to employ the "suspension calendar" procedural method to expedite the bill's passage, which requires a two-thirds majority. Johnson hopes to pass the proposed foreign aid bill with the backing of the Democratic Party and is considering proposing separate votes for aid to Ukraine and Israel.
The Senate had conducted a bipartisan vote on the bill in February, but it has been tabled in the House for several weeks. Johnson's stance advances the bill's progress.
Apart from assisting Ukraine, the bill also includes aid to Israel and Taiwan, signifying Taiwan's importance in U.S. foreign policy and security strategy.