Staff Reports
In a surprising shift, nine senators who were previously against providing aid to Ukraine changed their minds and voted in favor of it on Tuesday. The vote passed with a vast 79-18 majority, with Republican senators including Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) supporting the aid after previously opposing it.
Some senators, like Lindsey Graham, touted the aid package as a more robust support for Israel and a better solution overall. Others, like Katie Britt, mentioned that while the legislation may not be perfect, it will help reestablish American deterrence and move closer to restoring peace through strength.
Senate easily passes aid bill for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. The bill now goes to the President for his signature. pic.twitter.com/ccWPx4wahR
— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) April 24, 2024
Before the shift in stance, James Lankford expressed opposition to providing aid to Ukraine and Israel and instead emphasized addressing the situation at the southern border. Former President Donald Trump’s lack of comment on the legislation may have influenced some Republican senators’ positions. Some believe that Trump’s decision to stay out of the issue gave them political cover to change their stance from “no” to “yes.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell noted mixed views from the former president on Ukraine aid and acknowledged that it took time for some Republicans to work through their differences on the issue.
McConnell also defended House Speaker Mike Johnson for bringing the bill forward, pointing to the former president’s support for the speaker.
Overall, this shift in stance by these Republican senators demonstrates a willingness to reassess their positions and support aid to Ukraine, with some crediting the former president’s influence on their decisions.
