Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., on Thursday blocked a Senate bill to provide nearly $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, delaying legislation that leaders from both parties sought to urgently pass.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Congress earlier this month that existing authorized aid to Ukraine would run out by May 19.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., kicked off Thursday's session by stressing that lawmakers from "both sides" needed to urgently support the bill "today."
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The House earlier this week voted 368-57 to provide Ukraine with an additional $40 billion in military and humanitarian aid.
Paul, whose amendment is likely to fail to gain the 60 votes needed to pass, rebuffed the offer.
"Again, all he will accomplish with his actions here today is to delay that aid, not to stop it," Schumer said. »