Republican and Democratic senators, long-time colleagues of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), are expressing their disappointment over his choice to reject a $95 billion defense and foreign aid package.
Disappointed in Graham
Key supporters of the bill had considered Graham’s endorsement essential to garner a Republican majority in favor, thereby exerting maximal pressure on Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to present it in the House.
Vote Derails Bill
With Graham’s dissenting vote, the bill fell short of its objective, even with the support of 22 GOP senators, casting doubts on its likelihood of passing the House.
A Betrayal to Senate Allies?
Senators who counted on Graham feel betrayed, recalling his vehement criticism on the Senate floor last year about a budget deal that allocated “not a penny” for the war in Ukraine.
The Trump Effect
Some interpret Graham’s actions as an attempt to gain favor with former President Trump, who recently urged senators to reject the package in order to thwart President Biden’s political success.
Graham ‘was supposed to be the guy…’
A Democratic senator involved in the bill’s strategy remarked that Graham was expected to be instrumental in doubling Republican support.
Collapse of a Senate Strategy
This senator outlined the plan: securing 60 votes, including 10 Republicans, with Graham responsible for rallying an additional 10 GOP votes. However, in a surprising turn, Graham shifted to being among the 10 unpredictable votes.
Trump’s Orbit Draws in Graham
“He got sucked into the Trump orbit, and he is so zealously about his own self-preservation in South Carolina that he literally would push his mother in front of a train to get to where he needs to be,” the senator said.
“I hate to say it because I actually like him.”
Substantial Aid Package
The Senate, in a session extending into early Tuesday, approved a substantial $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
This move marked a significant progression after enduring months of intense negotiations and deepening rifts within the Republican Party over the U.S.’s international role.
Domestic Priorities
The vote followed a prolonged debate led by a minority of Republicans who questioned the allocation of $60 billion to Ukraine, advocating for prioritizing domestic issues over international aid.
However, a coalition of 22 Republicans and the majority of Democrats approved the package with a 70-29 vote.
Empowering Putin
Proponents of the bill argued that failing to support Ukraine could empower Russian President Vladimir Putin and pose a threat to global national security.
A Senate Concern
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who collaborated extensively with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the bill, declared, “With this bill, the Senate declares that American leadership will not waiver, will not falter, will not fail,”
Graham’s Frustrating Votes
Graham’s recent votes against the defense bill have left his colleagues frustrated, especially considering his vehement stance in June on the Senate floor. At that time, Graham actively delayed a deal to raise the debt limit and set spending caps for defense and nondefense because it excluded funds for Ukraine.
Call to Defeat Putin
He passionately declared, “Not a penny in this bill to help Ukraine defeat [Russian President Vladimir Putin]. We need to send a clear message to Putin that when it comes to your invasion of Ukraine, we’re going to support your loss. If we don’t do that, then we’re going to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory.”
Schumer-McConnell Promise
Graham’s fervent efforts led to a promise from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) not to let the spending caps deal hinder an emergency defense spending bill for Ukraine.
Reassuring Ukraine Support
Following this commitment, Graham reassured, “To the brave men and women in Ukraine standing up against Russian aggression and in defense of their homeland, help is on the way.”
‘Lindsey is a super smart guy’
Graham justified his vote against the defense bill by citing border concerns, leaving a Republican senator and others baffled by his surprising stance.
Despite acknowledging Graham’s intelligence, the senator expressed worries about his motives, possibly covering for Trump.
Hard Caps on Migrants
Graham insists his opposition is a principled stand, demanding hard caps on migrants and criticizing the Senate bill’s inadequacy during a Texas visit.
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