Washington, D.C., a city known for gridlock, uncongeniality, and partisan warfare, is basking in celebration this week. After six long months, the House of Representatives passed a series of national security supplemental bills through the chamber. The Senate followed suit days later, and President Joe Biden signed the $95 billion foreign-aid package into law on April 24.
By now, you probably know what’s in the legislation—$61 billion is earmarked for Ukraine, with more than a third of that sum going toward replenishing U.S. defense stockpiles that have been emptied to assist Kyiv’s defense against Russia. Israel will receive more than $26 billion. Washington’s allies in the Indo-Pacific will get about $8 billion, with Taiwan receiving the lion’s share.
Proponents of the legislation are giddy with excitement. Yet as anybody who has ever had a hangover can attest, the next day tends to bring you back to reality.
Author
Daniel
DePetris
Fellow
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