The San Diego congressional delegation joined most of the rest of the House of Representatives Saturday in approving $95 billion in long-delayed military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, and Democratic Reps. Sara Jacobs, Mike Levin, Scott Peters and Juan Vargas voted for all three measures.
“I voted in favor of the national security package to deter and combat authoritarian regimes around the world because global democracy and stability are on the line,” said Levin, who represents north coastal San Diego and South Orange counties.
“As Russia, Iran, and China continue to threaten the sovereignty of our allies and partners, it’s critical that we defend against this aggression.”
The Ukraine measure passed on a 311-112 vote with a majority of Republicans opposing, while the vote on aid to Israel was 366-58, and on Taiwan 385-34.
Aid for all three countries had been delayed since Senate approval in February because of opposition from right-wing Republicans who argued that the country should focus on “America first.”
“For months, House Democrats have repeatedly called on House leadership to bring forward legislation that supports our democratic friends and allies in Ukraine, Israel, and in the Indo-Pacific, and delivers much-needed humanitarian aid to civilians around the world, including in Gaza,” said Vargas. “Today, we finally had the opportunity to vote on this urgently needed legislation.”
But Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia called House Speaker Mike Johnson a “traitor to our country” for allowing a vote on the foreign aid package, saying American tax dollars should not be spent to help Ukraine remain independent.
The Ukraine bill would provide $60.8 billion to aid the embattled country in its defense against Russia, with more than $23 billion used to replenish weapons and stocks provided by the U.S.
Israel will get $26 billion amid for its fight against Hamas, Hezbolla and Iran, while Taiwan will get $8 billion to improve its defenses against China.
The Senate is expected to take up the measures on Tuesday, and the Pentagon is already preparing to speed weapons to Ukraine.