Good morning. We hope you’ll tolerate a grab-bag edition of the newsletter today. I’ve been packing to move and have been trying to wrap up a project I’ve been working on since the start of the year. (Relatedly, I’ll likely be taking a bit of a hiatus from Uphill over the next couple weeks to finish writing that. Several of my colleagues have agreed to spearhead upcoming editions of the newsletter, and we’re excited to mix it up a little bit.) 

Congress Approves Ukraine Aid

The Senate approved a $40 billion package Thursday to assist Ukraine amid Russia’s war of aggression.

Senators voted 86-11 to pass the legislation, which includes tens of billions in military aid, humanitarian programs, and funding for other American expenses related to the war. (For example, money for enforcing sanctions and seizing Russian assets and for replenishing the weapons America has already sent to Ukraine.) 

All of the opposing votes to the bill came from Republicans, who raised concerns about fiscal responsibility and accountability of military spending. Democrats rejected those arguments, saying the bill’s language, which funds oversight from military and state department inspectors general, is enough. The legislation also requires a report within 45 days of enactment from the defense secretary and the secretary of state about efforts to ensure weapons and other equipment sent to Ukraine reach their intended recipients and are used for their intended purposes. It mandates a recurring monthly report to Congress describing the assistance the United States has given Ukraine since the war began in February.