WASHINGTON — While united by party affiliation, Alabama’s U.S. senators were divided on the National Security Supplemental bill that passed the Senate on Tuesday night.
The bill included $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and was approved by a 79-18 vote. The legislation is comprised of four major components that were passed as individual bills by the House of Representatives but then merged into one bill, H.R. 815, under a rule adopted by the House. This House rule prevented the Senate from considering the measures as separate bills.
President Joe Biden signed the package into law today.
Sen. Katie Britt voted for the legislation despite voting against an earlier version of the bill in February.
However, Sen. Tommy Tuberville spoke out against the bill for nearly 10 minutes on the Senate floor Tuesday. But, when it came to voting, he, along with Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Tim Scott of South Carolina, missed the final vote.
Britt (R-Montgomery) said the “imperfect bill” was necessary to help keep America safe.
“This legislation, while imperfect, will make critical strides to reestablish credible American deterrence and move us closer to restoring the peace through strength that President Biden inherited,” Britt said in a statement. “I am proud that important bills I have cosponsored will be enacted into law through this package, including crucial measures to combat the fentanyl crisis and restrict Iran’s ability to finance further terrorism.”
She also highlighted the importance of supporting Israel after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.
“Today marks 200 days since Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists launched barbaric attacks and committed truly evil atrocities in Israel on October 7,” she said. “More than six months have passed, and approximately 130 hostages – including American citizens – are still held by Hamas, and Israel continues to fight for her very existence. Just days ago, we even saw Iran launch an unprecedented barrage of drones and missiles against Israel from Iranian territory. Now more than ever, we must stand with Israel and the Jewish people – including here at home. While our Jewish brothers and sisters across Alabama, America, and the world celebrate Passover, we’re seeing a disgusting rise of virulent antisemitism and pro-terrorist sentiment play out on our nation’s city streets and on college campuses.
“Make no mistake – ‘Never Again’ is now. This legislation will not only crack down on Iran and empower Israel with the tools needed to protect herself, but it will also help synagogues and other houses of worship safeguard their congregations in communities across the United States.”
The war in Ukraine is at a stalemate.
Pouring MORE MONEY into Ukraine’s coffers will only prolong the conflict and lead to more loss of life. pic.twitter.com/UXHPvNoOOY
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) April 23, 2024
In his speech on the Senate floor, Tuberville (R-Auburn) said the aid package contributes to the national debt and doesn’t do anything to secure the southern border.
“We are a country that is $35 trillion in debt,” Tuberville said. “We are country whose southern border is wide open thanks to the Biden Administration. Illegal immigrants are invading our country. Drugs, including fentanyl, are flooding across and killing hundreds of Americans a day.”
He also called Ukraine “corrupt” and claimed the aid won’t help Ukraine in its war against Russia, which he said was a “stalemate.”
“Instead of debating legislation to close the border and fix the economy, we are about to send billions of dollars to one of the most corrupt countries in the world,” he said. “The war in Ukraine is a stalemate. It has been for a while. Pouring more money into Ukraine’s coffers will only prolong the conflict and lead to more loss of life.
“No one at the White House, the Pentagon, or the State Department can articulate what victory looks like in this fight. They couldn’t when we sent the first tranche of aid over two years ago.”
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