Biden After Signing Supplemental National Security Budget: A Good Day for America and Global Security

On Wednesday, April 24, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a four-part supplemental national security budget that includes billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Shortly after signing this supplemental budget, Biden stated, "Today is a good day for America, Europe, and for global peace in the truest sense," and called it "productive." He emphasized that "this law includes vital support for Israel" and referred to the unprecedented attack by the Islamic Republic of Iran, which launched over 100 missiles and drones at Israel ten days ago. He noted that Iran's support for "Hezbollah, Hamas, and other proxy groups" did not result in "serious damage." Biden stressed, "My commitment to Israel is ironclad, and Israel's security is very sensitive. We always want to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and its terrorist proxies." According to the U.S. President, "With this aid, the United States can help Israel by replenishing its air defense stockpiles and ensuring that Iran cannot wreak havoc and carry out attacks similar to those it conducted ten days ago." He also stated that this bill includes "one billion dollars" in humanitarian and life-saving aid for innocent people in Gaza who are suffering due to actions initiated by Hamas, including "food aid, medical supplies, and drinking water." The U.S. President praised the "extraordinary courage" of Ukrainians in defending their homeland against Russia's "ruthless campaign" over the past two years, noting that Ukraine's defensive equipment was "running out" and that Putin's allies were supplying Russian equipment. He said, "Iran provides drones, North Korea supplies ballistic missiles, and China provides parts and technology that strengthen Russia's defense production, and with this support, Russia has intensified its air attacks against Ukraine's critical infrastructure, raining down munitions on brave Ukrainians defending their homeland." The U.S. President expressed gratitude for the support of congressional representatives and senators, emphasizing that "everything we do is aimed at bringing these hostages home and achieving a ceasefire to create conditions for lasting peace." He stated that this law "makes America safer and makes the world safer, and continues America's leadership role in the world" and that "this package provides vital support to America's partners so they can defend themselves against threats to their national security and the lives of their citizens. This package is also an investment in our own security because when our allies are stronger, we are stronger." Biden noted that following reports of the bill's approval, "a cheer erupted from the Ukrainian trenches," emphasizing that "now America wants to provide Ukrainians with the equipment they need to keep them in this fight." He also stated that he wants to ensure that "these munitions are sent within hours for Ukraine's air defense and missile and artillery systems. This package is an investment not only for Ukraine's security but for Europe and our own security as well." The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved the supplemental national security budget, which, after being sent to the White House and signed by the President, allocates billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The approved package, which includes four separate bills, was previously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday and was confirmed on Tuesday, April 24, with 79 votes in favor and 18 against in the Senate. These bills include $61 billion in aid for Ukraine against Russia, $26 billion in aid for Israel against Palestinian and regional hostile actors, and over $8 billion in aid for Taiwan against China. The fourth bill includes funding for banning the TikTok application, measures for transferring seized Russian assets to Ukraine, and new punitive measures against the Islamic Republic, known as the "Mahsa Law." Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, stated after the vote on Tuesday, "This is a turning point in history; Western democracy faces its greatest threat since the end of the Cold War." Congressional resolutions must be signed by the President to become law. Biden welcomed the passage of these bills in a statement, saying it sends a message about America's leadership strength to the world, that "we stand firmly in support of democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression." He added, "I will sign this bill into law, and as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow, I will speak to the American people so we can begin the process of sending the necessary weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week." Two informed officials previously told VOA that the Biden administration is preparing the first military aid package to Ukraine worth about one billion dollars, funded by this legislation. Biden emphasized Washington's support for Kyiv during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, committing to send significant aid quickly after the aid package was approved in Congress.