President Joe Biden signed on May 21 a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine.
Biden signed the bill, H.R. 7691, while traveling in Asia.
The legislation primarily features money for military assistance, but also makes available $8 billion for economic support for both Ukraine and countries “impacted by the situation in Ukraine, including for programs to combat human trafficking.”
Another $5 billion is designated for helping ease food shortages in various countries. There’s also about $1.2 billion allotted for assisting refugees.
Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Fighting is still going on.
Biden praised Congress after members passed the bill, saying they sent “a clear bipartisan message to the world that the people of the United States stand together with the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their democracy and freedom.”
“The resources that I requested will allow us to send even more weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, replenish our own stockpile, and support U.S. troops stationed on NATO territory,” he said.
Biden didn’t issue a statement or make remarks upon signing the legislation and didn’t comment on the bill or Ukraine while appearing with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yoel in Seoul, South Korea.
A senior administration official told reporters that U.S. officials would have some “pretty extensive discussions on Ukraine” with their South Korean counterparts.
Biden, in his talks with Yoon, “will highlight the great U.S. appreciation for the Republic of Korea’s strong stance on Ukraine, both in terms of imposition of sanctions and taking of economic steps, and we'll look for ways to expand that,” the official said by phone, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said after Biden signed the measure that “more help is on the way to the people of Ukraine as their courageous fight against [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s war continues.”
Critics say the legislation sends more money to Ukraine while pressing issues go unresolved in the United States, including a baby formula shortage and the continued flood of illegal immigrants crossing over the U.S.–Mexico border.
“I support helping Ukraine expel the Russian invasion, but as inflation, gas prices, and shortages wallop Americans here at home I can’t support $40 billion of new spending unless it’s offset with cuts or taken from already authorized funds, especially when the European Union isn’t matching what we’re doing to end this conflict in their own backyard,” Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), who voted against the measure, said in a statement.
