US Senate committee advances funding bill with around $1B for Ukraine

WASHINGTON

The US Senate Appropriations Committee advanced legislation Thursday that provides around $1 billion in security assistance for Ukraine.

By a 26-3 vote, the military spending bill, which was pushed by Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sen. Chris Coons, was advanced in the committee.

The measure provides $851.9 billion in discretionary funding, including $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative.

"Not only the previous administration but the current administration has also underestimated the level of challenges we face," said McConnell, the chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Shutting off engagement with Ukraine would undermine the US military's efforts to prepare for the modern battlefield, he said.

"So like our friends on the Armed Services Committee, we are restoring funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and other security assistance programs that make America safer," he added.

Coons said thanks to McConell's leadership, they are restoring aid to Ukraine and adding additional funds on top for $800 million and restored $225 million in security assistance to the Baltic states.

"These allies are on the absolute front line of resisting Russian aggression, and we are learning critical lessons about the future of warfare, as well as standing with those who fight for freedom," he said.

The committee sent the measure for a vote in the full Senate.