From the Liveblog of
Monday, February 5, 2024
Biden urges swift passage of bipartisan bill to tighten borders, aid Israel and Ukraine
US President Joe Biden is urging senators to vote for the bipartisan national security deal unveiled by the Senate tonight.
The $118 billion package pairs border enforcement policy with wartime aid for Ukraine, Israel and other US allies.
The agreement, says Biden, “will make our country safer, make our border more secure, treat people fairly and humanely while preserving legal immigration, consistent with our values as a nation.”
The deal will allow the US “to continue our vital work, together with partners all around the world, to stand up for Ukraine’s freedom and support its ability to defend itself against Russia’s aggression,” says the president in a statement. “If we don’t stop Putin’s appetite for power and control in Ukraine, he won’t limit himself to just Ukraine and the costs for America will rise,” he added.
The agreement “also provides Israel what they need to protect their people and defend itself against Hamas terrorists,” and “life-saving humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people.”
“I urge Congress to come together and swiftly pass this bipartisan agreement. Get it to my desk so I can sign it into law immediately,” he urges.
