The lead Republican negotiator on a bipartisan U.S. Senate bill toughening border security and providing aid to Ukraine said his caucus is expected to decide by February 6 whether to open debate on the proposal. Senator James Lankford (Republican-Oklahoma) told Reuters that if the bill is not supported by both parties, then "we shouldn't be doing this." Prominent Republicans including Donald Trump -- the front-runner for his party's presidential nomination -- and House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana) have voiced opposition. The bill includes $118 billion in new spending, including $60 billion worth of aid to Ukraine.
Decision On Bill Including Aid For Ukraine Expected By February 6, U.S. Senator Says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (center) walks with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (left) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at the U.S. Capitol on December 12.