President Joe Biden is expected to sign the legislation into law on Wednesday.

The Senate on Tuesday evening backed the measure passed by the US house of representatives on Saturday.

It includes $61bn in military aid for Ukraine, which the Pentagon says can start being delivered to the war-torn nation “within days”.

It passed in a bipartisan vote of 79-18.

Mr Biden hailed its passage in a statement late on Tuesday, calling it “critical legislation [that] will make our nation and world more secure as we support our friends who are defending themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like [Russian President Vladimir] Putin”.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said: “After more than six months of hard work and many twists and turns in the road, America sends a message to the entire world: we will not turn our back on you.”

Reacting to the vote, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it “reinforces America’s role as a beacon of democracy and leader of the free world”.

The Senate passed a similar aid package in February, but a group of conservatives who oppose new Ukraine support had prevented it from coming to a vote in the House of Representatives.

Last week, Democrats and Republicans in the lower chamber joined together to bypass this opposition.

They ultimately agreed to a package bill that included the foreign aid as well as legislation to confiscate Russian assets held by Western banks; new sanctions on Russia, Iran and China; and a provision that will force the Chinese company ByteDance to sell the popular social media service TikTok.

In the House on Saturday, a majority of Republicans in the chamber voted against the foreign aid package.

The bill also faced resistance among a handful of Senate Republicans who opposed any new aid to Ukraine.

Fifteen voted with two Democrats – as well as independent Senator Bernie Sanders who objected to providing new offensive weapons to Israel – against the bill.

“Pouring more money into Ukraine’s coffers will only prolong the conflict and lead to more loss of life,” Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville said in remarks on Tuesday.

“No one at the White House, the Pentagon, or the state department can articulate what victory looks like in this fight.”

The aid package is expected to provide a significant boost to Ukraine’s forces, which have suffered from a shortage of ammunition and air defence systems in recent months.

On Tuesday, Ukraine’s second city, Kharkiv, faced the latest in a series of recent drone and missile strikes, with authorities saying two people in a residential neighbourhood were injured.

The commander of Ukraine’s National Guard, Oleksandr Pivnenko, said he was expecting an attempt by Russian forces to advance on the city, which is near the Russian border.

Between February 2022 and January 2024, the US gave Ukraine more than $40bn in military aid, according to German research organisation, the Kiel Institute.

Aid for Israel and Taiwan

The foreign aid package passed on Tuesday also allocates $17bn to Israel, as well as $9bn for civilians suffering in conflict zones around the world, including Palestinians in Gaza.

A further $8bn has been earmarked for allies in the Asia-Pacific, including Taiwan, to “counter communist China”.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz reacted to the vote by thanking congressional leaders for their “unwavering commitment to Israel’s security”.

“Israel and the United States stand together in the fight against terrorism, defending democracy and our shared values,” he said.

The US already provides Israel with $3.8bn in military aid each year.

Over in Asia, a Chinese government spokeswoman called the military aid for Taiwan a “serious violation of the one-China principle” that would “send the wrong signal to the pro-independence separatist forces” in Taiwan.

“We urge the US to take practical actions to fulfil its commitment not to support Taiwan independence by not arming Taiwan in any way,” she said.

Taiwan’s incoming President William Lai said the aid package would “strengthen deterrence against authoritarianism”.

Taiwan is a self-governing island and considers itself distinct from China, but Beijing views it as a breakaway province and hopes to bring it back under its own control.

TikTok ban

The national security package also includes a provision that could lead to a nationwide ban on TikTok.

The popular social media app’s China-based parent company has nine months to sell its stake and find a US-approved buyer or see TikTok shut down across the US.

The statute gives the US president the option of extending the deadline by an additional 90 days, which means the latest the ban could take effect is nearly a year from now.

The TikTok provision drew bipartisan support, with lawmakers arguing that the Chinese government could invoke security laws to compel ByteDance to hand over data about the app’s estimated 170 million US users.

TikTok has repeatedly said it has not provided, and would not provide, its foreign user data to the Chinese government.

Related videos:

Source : BBC , Author: Anthony Zurcher

The post Congress clears $95bn aid package for Ukraine and Israel appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

In the heart of Eastern Europe, where history echoes with the struggles of nations and the resilience of its people, a new chapter of persecution is being written. It’s a story of faith under fire, of Ukrainian Christians facing torment and oppression at the hands of their Russian neighbors.

The tale begins against the backdrop of a geopolitical landscape marred by tension and conflict. Ukraine, a nation striving for independence and democracy, finds itself locked in a bitter struggle with its powerful neighbor, Russia. Amidst the chaos of war and political turmoil, the voices of the innocent often go unheard.

Enter Speaker Johnson, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. With ears attuned to the cries of the oppressed, Speaker Johnson listens intently as Ukrainian Christian leaders bravely step forward to share their harrowing tales. They speak of a systematic campaign of torture and targeting orchestrated by Russian forces against their community.

The stories are chilling in their detail. Innocent men and women, devoted to their faith, are subjected to unspeakable horrors merely for worshipping in their own churches and practicing their beliefs. Families torn apart, lives shattered, all in the name of religious persecution.

As Speaker Johnson listens, a sense of urgency grips him. He knows that the world must hear these stories, that the plight of Ukrainian Christians cannot be ignored. With determination in his heart, he vows to take action, to shine a light on the darkness that threatens to consume these brave souls.

Armed with the power of his position, Speaker Johnson rallies international support for the persecuted Christians of Ukraine. He calls upon world leaders to condemn the actions of Russia and to stand in solidarity with those who suffer unjustly. Through diplomacy and advocacy, he seeks to bring an end to the violence and oppression that plagues the region.

But the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The forces of tyranny and oppression are not easily swayed, and the struggle for justice is long and arduous. Yet, Speaker Johnson refuses to be deterred. With unwavering resolve, he presses forward, knowing that the cause of freedom is worth fighting for.

And so, the story of the persecution of Ukrainian Christians by Russia continues to unfold, a tale of bravery and resilience in the face of unspeakable cruelty. But amidst the darkness, there is hope, for there are those like Speaker Johnson who refuse to stand idly by while injustice reigns. And as long as there are voices raised in protest, there is always the chance for a brighter tomorrow.

CHRISTIAN FELLOWS Send your news, stories or articles to info@chrife.com.gh or via WhatsApp +233550144803

The post Ukrainian Christian leaders inform Speaker Johnson that Russia is engaging in the torture and persecution of their community. appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

In the heart of Louisiana, amidst the serene landscapes and warm southern hospitality, there stood a small Baptist congregation led by Pastor Daniel. The members of this tight-knit community were known for their unwavering faith and dedication to serving others. However, their faith was about to lead them on a journey that would transcend borders and test their convictions in ways they never imagined.

It was a crisp Sunday morning when Pastor Daniel stood before his congregation, his voice filled with urgency as he addressed the recent events unfolding in Ukraine. The congregation listened intently as he spoke of the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of conflict, the families torn apart, and the desperate cries for help echoing across the war-torn nation.

Feeling a deep sense of responsibility to act, Pastor Daniel and his congregation decided to take a stand. They penned a heartfelt letter addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, urging him to use his platform and influence to advocate for the people of Ukraine. They emphasized the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression, and the moral obligation to support those in need.

As news of their letter spread, other Baptist communities across the country joined in solidarity, adding their voices to the call for action. Together, they formed a coalition of faith-based organizations, united in their commitment to stand with Ukraine.

Their efforts did not go unnoticed. House Speaker Mike Johnson, deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the Baptist community, publicly pledged to stand with Ukraine and support humanitarian aid efforts. His words brought hope to Pastor Daniel and his congregation, reaffirming their belief in the power of faith and collective action.

But their journey was far from over. Determined to make a tangible difference, Pastor Daniel and his congregation organized fundraisers and donation drives to provide aid to those affected by the conflict. They rallied their community, mobilizing volunteers and resources to support relief efforts on the ground.

Their actions inspired others to follow suit, sparking a wave of generosity and compassion across the country. Churches, mosques, synagogues, and community organizations came together, setting aside their differences to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Months passed, and the situation in Ukraine remained dire. Yet, amidst the darkness of war, there was a glimmer of hope—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of unity. Through their unwavering faith and collective action, Pastor Daniel and his congregation stood as beacons of light, reminding the world that even in the darkest of times, love and compassion can prevail.

As they continued their efforts to support Ukraine, they knew that their journey was far from over. But with faith as their guiding light, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that together, they could make a difference in the lives of those who needed it most.

CHRISTIAN FELLOWS Send your news, stories or articles to info@chrife.com.gh or via WhatsApp +233550144803

The post Baptists Call on House Speaker Mike Johnson to Stand with Ukraine appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.