US Senate passes $95bn package of aid for allies

The aid package is for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

In Summary

• The package includes $60bn for Kyiv, $14bn for Israel's war against Hamas and $10bn for humanitarian aid in conflict zones, including in Gaza.

• Ukraine's president said he was "grateful" to senators for passing it.

Breaking news
Breaking news
Image: BBC

US Senate passes $95bn aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of wrangling, but it faces opposition from House Republicans.

While Democrats were in favour of passing the bill, Republicans were divided and previously voted it down.

The package includes $60bn for Kyiv, $14bn for Israel's war against Hamas and $10bn for humanitarian aid in conflict zones, including in Gaza.

Lawmakers voted 70 to 29 to approve the package.

The bill will now go to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where its fate remains uncertain.

The measure passed the Senate despite criticism from Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and former President Donald Trump.

In the end, 22 Republicans voted for the legislation, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"History settles every account," Mr McConnell said in a statement following the vote. "And today, on the value of American leadership and strength, history will record that the Senate did not blink."

Ukraine's president also said he was "grateful" to senators for passing it.

The vote came after an all-night Senate session during which several Republicans made speeches criticising the measure.

WATCH: The latest news from around the World