Biden signs $95 billion aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan

He said the law on assistance will make the United States and the world safer and that sending military equipment to Ukraine will begin within hours.

President Biden said that with the approval of this assistance, the United States reconfirms the leading role of America in the world.

It gives vital support to American partners so they can be protected in the face of threats to their sovereignty, life and freedom of their citizens. And it is an investment in our security, because when our allies are stronger, we are stronger”, President Biden said.

He thanked the members of Congress and the heads of the House of Representatives, both Democrats and Republicans, for adopting aid.

The signing by the president was made after the Senate voted overwhelmingly Tuesday evening in favour of the bill.

After voting with 79 pro and 18 cons, the majority leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, said America is sending a message to the whole world.

Now, after more than six months of hard work, many difficulties and obstacles, America sends a message to the whole world: We won't turn our backs on you. We tell our allies we're with you. We say to our opponents, "Do not mess with us." We tell the world we will do everything to protect democracy and our way of life. This national security bill is one of the most important measures Congress has adopted to protect America's security and the security of Western democracy”, said Mr. Schumer.

Approval of the 61 billion-dollar stake for Ukraine comes as Kiev desperately needs new military supplies, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified the offensive.

Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky thanked President Beden, the leader of the majority Democrat in the Senate, Chuck Schumer and minority leader Mitch McConnell after adopting the Senate bill, saying the vote “reinforces the role of America as a model of democracy and leader of free world”.

American officials say the Pentagon is ready to send $1 billion in new military assistance to Ukraine, much after the coming weeks.

The House of Representatives approved the aid Saturday.

The law also envisions $26 billion in aid to Israel, as well as humanitarian assistance to Gaza citizens, as well as $8 billion to reinforce protection of China in Taiwan and Indo-Peacekeeping.

Earlier Tuesday, Taiwan's newly elected President Lai Ching praised the US House of Representatives' action.

Lai Ching, Vice President and President-elect of Taiwan

The action will not only strengthen the stance against authoritarianism between Western allies and the Pacific, but also help ensure peace and stability along Taiwan's Strait, as well as boost confidence in the region regarding the US's determination to protect freedom and democracy in the region. So I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the U.S. Congress for the adoption of this legislation once more to fulfill its commitment to Taiwan's security. ”

Mr. Lai made comments at a meeting with a US delegation. /VOA