Biden's Ambitious National Security Package: Unveiling the Unprecedented $105 Billion Aid to Israel and Ukraine

The Biden administration unveiled a comprehensive national security package worth $105 billion on Friday. This package encompasses both military and humanitarian aid intended for the conflicts taking place in Ukraine and Israel. The supplementary request specifically aims to offer security assistance to Israel, enhance Israeli initiatives in securing the release of hostages, and deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians who have been impacted by the war in Israel and Gaza, as stated in a fact sheet released by the White House.

The fact sheet stated that assistance would be given to Ukraine in terms of training, equipment, and weapons to enable them to defend themselves against Russia's invasion and reclaim their territory. Additionally, it would aim to safeguard Ukrainians from Russian aggression.

Furthermore, the package would allocate additional funds to enhance US-Mexico border security. This includes increasing the number of patrol agents, providing machines to detect fentanyl, and forming teams of asylum officers and immigration judges. Moreover, funding would be allocated to strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on Taiwan.

On October 19, 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. During his speech, he discussed his strategies for resolving the conflict between Israel and Hamas, providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza, and offering ongoing support to Ukraine in their war against Russia. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/Pool

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Biden makes the case for wartime aid to Israel and Ukraine in primetime address

President Joe Biden's plea for funding, delivered during a primetime Oval Office speech, faces significant challenges as it makes its way through Congress. The lack of a unified voice among House Republicans, who are still searching for a conference leader, means that the approval of the national security package remains uncertain. Additionally, the dwindling support for Ukraine among both the general public and certain legislators is evident as the war enters its 600th day. Notably, the previous request by the Biden administration for $24 billion in aid for Ukraine was excluded from a temporary government funding measure approved by Congress in late September.

Heres whats in the package, according to the White House:

$61.4 billion in aid for Ukraine

The Defense Department has allocated $30 billion to provide Ukraine with equipment and replenish US stocks. The aid includes air defense systems, munitions, small arms, ground maneuver units, and various other weapons and equipment. Additionally, $14.4 billion has been assigned for ongoing military, intelligence, and defense support. This funding will be utilized for investments in the defense industrial base, transportation expenses for US personnel and equipment, and maintaining an increased US troop presence in Europe, along with other related activities.

$16.3 billion allocated for economic, security, and operational aid, encompassing direct budgetary assistance to Ukraine to facilitate the provision of vital services and maintain its economy. Additionally, investments will be made towards infrastructure development, civilian law enforcement, and mine clearance operations.

$481 million dedicated to supporting Ukrainian nationals migrating to the United States under the Uniting for Ukraine program.

The National Nuclear Security Administration has been allocated $149 million for nuclear/radiological incident response and capacity building in case of emergencies as part of general contingency planning.

$14.3 billion in aid for Israel

Assistance worth $10.6 billion will be provided through the Defense Department, encompassing air and missile defense support, investments in the industrial base, and restocking of US supplies that are being depleted to aid Israel.

The purpose of the aid is to enhance Israel's air and missile defense system readiness, including the procurement of Iron Dome and Davids Sling missile defense systems and components. It also supports the development of Iron Beam. Additionally, $3.7 billion is allocated to the State Department to enhance Israel's military and improve security at the US Embassy.

$10 billion for humanitarian assistance

$9.15 billion for aid for Ukraine, Israel, Gaza and other humanitarian needs. It includes support for Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and surrounding areas.

$850 million for migration and refugee assistance at the US-Mexico border.

$7.4 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region

The objective of the security assistance is to enhance deterrence and provide backing to allies who are dealing with China's growing assertiveness and shifting away from Russian military gear.

$2 billion allocated for foreign military financing.

The submarine industrial base would receive $3.4 billion in funding for enhancements at the Navys four public shipyards and to enhance submarine availability.

Additionally, the Treasury Department would receive $2 billion to create a credible alternative to coercive financing and to encourage other donors to contribute billions through the US-led World Bank. This initiative aims to provide developing countries with options other than China's coercive and unsustainable financing methods.

$13.6 billion to address security at the US-Mexico border

$6.4 billion for border operations, including additional temporary holding facilities, DNA collection at the border and support for eligible arrivals and unaccompanied children.

$3.1 billion allocated to recruit an extra 1,300 Border Patrol agents, 1,600 asylum officers, processing staff, and 375 teams of immigration judges.

$1.4 billion dedicated to providing state and local assistance for offering temporary shelter, food, and other essential services to migrants recently released from the custody of the Department of Homeland Security.

$1.2 billion will be allocated towards addressing the fentanyl issue through the deployment of inspection systems, hiring additional Customs and Border Protection officers, as well as conducting testing and tracing activities.

An amount of $1.4 billion will be dedicated to addressing migration needs, specifically supporting Safe Mobility Offices, providing assistance to host communities and establishing legal pathways in the region. Furthermore, funding will be used for foreign government repatriation operations and to combat human trafficking and smuggling in the Western Hemisphere.

$100 million for child labor investigations and enforcement, particularly to protect migrant children entering the US through the southern border.