25-4-2024 (WASHINGTON) In a pivotal move on Wednesday, President Joe Biden put pen to paper, signing a momentous $95 billion foreign aid package that will provide vital military assistance to Ukraine and Israel, while also extending humanitarian relief to Palestinians in Gaza. The long-awaited bill had been mired in a protracted delay, caused by the obstructionist tactics of former President Donald Trump and his allies in the House of Representatives.
Addressing reporters at the White House, Biden declared, “It’s a good day for America, it’s a good day for Europe, and it’s a good day for world peace.” His words carried a distinct air of triumph, as he announced his intention to expedite the shipments of aid. “In the next few hours, literally few hours, we’re going to begin sending equipment to Ukraine for air defense munitions, for artillery, for rocket systems, and for armored vehicles.”
The President’s resolute stance underscored the pivotal role the United States plays on the global stage. “We bow to no one. Certainly not to Vladimir Putin,” he asserted. “America must stand up for what is right. We don’t walk away from our allies; we stand with them. We don’t let tyrants win; we oppose them. We don’t merely watch world events unfold; we shape them. That’s what it means to be the indispensable nation. That’s what it means to be the world’s superpower and the world’s leading democracy.”
Biden’s remarks paid homage to the bipartisan efforts that ultimately led to the bill’s passage, expressing gratitude to both Democratic and Republican congressional leaders for their perseverance, despite the seven-month delay. He cited reports of Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines cheering as news of the House vote reached them, a testament to the bill’s significance in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security, pledging to replenish its air and missile defense stockpiles in the face of threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Simultaneously, he acknowledged the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, asserting that the bill would facilitate a “surge” of food, water, and medical supplies to alleviate their suffering. “Israel must make sure all of this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay,” he urged.
However, the legislation fell short of addressing the security concerns at the southern border with Mexico, a contentious issue that Trump had weaponized against the Republican members of Congress, warning them that such measures could aid Biden’s reelection prospects, and should, therefore, be thwarted. “It should have been included in this bill,” Biden lamented.
In a separate development, the bill mandates that the Chinese company that owns TikTok must sell the popular video-sharing platform to an American firm or face a ban in the United States. TikTok has vowed to challenge this requirement, labeling it an “unconstitutional law” and a “TikTok ban.” In a defiant statement, the company declared, “We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail.”
