US House okays war aid for Ukraine: What happens next? When will weapons reach Kyiv?

In a surprise demonstration of bipartisan unity, the Republican-majority House of Representatives approved a $95 billion foreign aid package that would go to various US allies. Ukraine is set to benefit the most from the aid, if it is disbursed.

Here, we take a look at what the bill proposes, and what is next in the proposed legislation’s journey to become a law.

The bills regarding the aid, passed during a rare Saturday session of the House, are primarily targeted at supporting Ukraine, Israel, and other US allies amidst global conflicts.

$61 billion in aid for Ukraine

The lion’s share of the proposed aid is set aside for Ukraine, to support its ongoing struggle in the war with Russia.

The centerpiece of the aid package is the allocation of $60.84 billion specifically earmarked for the Ukrainian conflict. This substantial sum includes $23 billion to replenish US weapons and stocks, and to enhance military facilities, ensuring that Ukraine can continue to defend itself against the ongoing war effectively.

The vote in the House of Representatives

The passage of the Ukraine aid bill was notably swift and decisive, with a final vote count of 311-112. Democrats unanimously supported the bill, while the Republican camp showed a split. Nevertheless, a substantial number of GOP members backed the bill underscores a strong bipartisan consensus in the face of stiff objection from the hard-right factions within the party.

Next up, the Senate

The House has approved Biden’s funding request, which was first made in October when Ukraine’s military supplies were running low. This was the biggest hurdle that needed to be cleared before the request could be granted.

The bill will now be sent to the Senate for voting. Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Chuck Schumer has announced that the Senate will begin procedural votes on the package on Tuesday. Some preliminary votes are reportedly scheduled for that afternoon. Final passage is expected sometime next week.

Smooth passage expected in Senate

The bill is expected to face a smoother passage in the Democrat-majority Senate. Here, Schumer has already set the stage for a quick response, scheduling procedural votes for the following Tuesday. He has also been advocating strongly for the aid, remarked upon the House’s passage, saying, “Our allies across the world have been waiting for this moment.”

Senate Minority Leader, Republican Mitch McConnell, also threw his support behind the aid package, praising the House’s action and acknowledging the urgency with which the Senate must now proceed. “The task before us is urgent. It is once again the Senate’s turn to make history.” McConnell emphasised is preparing to counter any residual opposition within his party.

The bill is highly anticipated to pass in the Senate due to the Democratic majority and the general bipartisan support for aiding Ukraine. Historical precedents also favor the bill’s passage. In February, the Senate had approved a similar measure. The big difference with the current proposal is the designation of $10 billion of the Ukraine aid as a repayable loan, an amendment aimed at placating some Republicans.

Presidential signature to turn bill to law

Once the Senate passes the bill, it will proceed to President Joe Biden for his signature. The President has 10 days to sign or veto a bill. However, Biden has expressed his intent to sign the bill immediately upon its arrival on his desk, thus wrapping up the legislative process.

The administration is also reportedly gearing up to roll out the next assistance package for Ukraine after the bill becomes law, to quickly address the urgent battlefield needs expressed by the Ukrainian military.

Swift delivery of weapons to Ukraine

Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder said that US military is capable of moving crucial munitions and defence systems to Ukraine within days of congressional approval.

The rapid deployment of aid to Ukraine is facilitated by the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows for immediate withdrawal of military resources from US stockpiles. These stockpiles, strategically located both in the US and across European bases, are prepared to dispatch items like ammunition and air defense components that Ukraine urgently needs.

For instance, the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in Oklahoma, a key facility, stands ready to ship large quantities of munitions such as 155 mm howitzer rounds—vital for Ukraine’s artillery needs. Additionally, storage facilities in Europe can quickly dispatch munitions and other military supplies to Ukraine, significantly reducing delivery times and supporting the ongoing military efforts against Russian forces.

Anticipation in Kyiv

The approval of the aid package has been met with enthusiasm in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude and optimism in his evening address following the news from the U.S. “Today, we received the decision we expected: the US support package we fought so hard for,” Zelensky stated. He further elaborated on the impact of the aid, “And it is a very significant package that will be felt by our soldiers on the frontline, as well as by our towns and villages suffering from Russian terror.”

The urgency for increased air defences has been a recurrent plea from Ukraine, which seeks to protect its civilian populations from escalating attacks on its infrastructure.

With inputs from agencies