Ukrainian soldier fires M777 howitzer donated by US – Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Over the weekend, the House of Representatives passed a package of foreign aid supplements that includes $95.3 billion in funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Indo-Pacific security. The move would end a long standoff that began when the Biden administration first announced a request for additional aid in October.
The Senate originally passed a bill in February that would provide $95 billion in foreign aid and $20 billion in domestic border security funding, but House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to bring it to a vote in the House, citing resistance to Ukraine. Help from parts of the Republican caucus. Prime Minister Johnson also tried to push through a unilateral aid bill for Israel, but the bill failed. The White House also threatened to veto any standalone bill that lacked funding for Ukraine.
The new House bill would provide $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.4 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Indo-Pacific security. Adding foreign aid to the $843.7 billion base budget enacted by Congress in March, the total defense budget for fiscal year 2024 would increase to about $939 billion. President Biden urged the Senate to quickly pass the bill.
If signed into law, the United States will be able to resume regular arms shipments to Ukraine, including artillery, air defense equipment, anti-armor weapons, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Those shipments have been largely halted since the start of the fiscal year in October.
The House of Representatives released highlights of the bill.
Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024
The bill totals $60.84 billion to address the Ukraine conflict and support regional partners against Russia, of which $23.2 billion would be used to replenish U.S. arms, inventories, and facilities.
23.2 billion to replenish defense articles and services provided to Ukraine. $11.3 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region. $13.8 billion for procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services. $26 million to continue monitoring and accountability for aid and equipment provided to Ukraine. Increase oversight with in-person supervision requirements. We require our partners and allies to pay their fair share through cost-matching requirements. Requires an agreement on the repayment of economic aid by the Ukrainian government. Increases fiscal limits on several presidential drawdown authorities.
Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024
The bill, totaling $26.38 billion, aims to assist Israel in its efforts to protect itself from Iran and its proxies and reimburse U.S. military operations in response to recent attacks.
$4 billion to replenish the Iron Dome and David Thring missile defense systems; $1.2 billion for iron beam defense systems to counter short-range rocket and mortar threats. $3.5 billion to procure advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services through the Foreign Military Financing Program. He $ 1 billion to strengthen the production and development of artillery and important weapons. $4.4 billion to replenish defense articles and services provided to Israel. $2.4 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region in response to recent attacks. Provides additional flexibility for the transfer of defense articles from U.S. stockpiles held overseas to Israel. Prohibits funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024
The bill totals $8.12 billion to continue efforts to counter communist China and ensure strong regional deterrence.
$3.3 billion for undersea infrastructure development, including investments in dry dock construction. $2 billion for a foreign military lending program to Taiwan and other key allies and security partners in the Indo-Pacific region fighting Chinese aggression. $1.9 billion to replenish defense articles and services provided to Taiwan and regional partners. $542 million to strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the region. He 133 million dollars to strengthen the production and development of artillery and important ammunition. Provides additional flexibility for foreign military financing and loan guarantees.
As editor of International Military Markets, North America, Sean has developed a deep understanding of the vast defense markets in the United States and Canada. Sean’s views on defense acquisition and budget issues have been quoted in various defense periodicals, including Defense News and National Defense Magazine. Additionally, Sean played a key role in developing Forecast International’s U.S. Defense Budget Forecasting product, which provides an unprecedented level of insight into the Department of Defense’s acquisition budget. In addition to providing original analytical content for U.S. Defense Budget Forecasts, Sean uses Forecast International’s seasoned system to guide the domestic defense budget forecasting process involving her team of analysts following the release of the Department of Defense’s annual budget request. I am supervising. Sean is also responsible for managing Forecast International’s weapons inventory database.
