The Senate has taken a significant step towards passing a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine and potentially imposing a nationwide ban on TikTok. The vote of 80-19 indicates strong bipartisan support for the legislation, which could soon be signed into law by President Joe Biden.
The aid package includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and Gaza, and $8 billion for security in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to this crucial funding, the bill also includes a provision that would require TikTok’s parent company to sell the popular social media platform within nine months to avoid a ban in the U.S.
The Senate is expected to discuss the bill further on Tuesday, with a possible final vote on Wednesday. Advocates of the TikTok ban have expressed concerns about data privacy and the potential for manipulation by the Chinese government. In response, TikTok has stated that it will challenge the ban in court once President Biden signs the bill into law.
Senator Mike Lee is leading efforts to lobby against the aid package, claiming that 41 senators could potentially join forces to filibuster the bill. Despite this opposition, the majority support for the aid package and TikTok ban bodes well for its eventual passage through both houses of Congress.
As tensions continue to rise internationally, this aid package and potential TikTok ban represent a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. Stay tuned to KP Insider for further updates on this developing story.
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