Republicans break with their party to support Ukraine aid

Eighteen Senate Republicans joined their party and former President Donald J. Trump has joined Democrats in favoring Senate approval of military aid to Ukraine, highlighting a widening foreign policy divide in the contemporary Republican Party.

The 18 senators, mainly national security hawks who include many military veterans, have given the necessary votes to overcome several filibusters with the support of a majority of their colleagues, leading to approval of $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel and allied nations within days. Pacific region.

said Senator Jerry Moran, Republican of Kansas, one of the 18. Belief in what is happening in Israel matters and what is happening in South Pacific matters.

Funding is supported by Mr. It may draw condemnation from Trump and his allies, perhaps a factor in why some have decided to oppose it.

Some Republicans who block the bill have suggested they could support the legislation in the final passage after trying to use their opposition to win a chance to replace it — something that has so far not proven successful. But whether more than half of the 49 Republicans will vote for it remains an open question.

Here's a detailed look at the ones who have made the mistake so far and what motivates them.

All but two of the Senate's Republican leaders

The group includes two top Senate Republicans, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and John Thune of South Dakota, and two members of the leadership team: Senators Joni Ernst of Iowa and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia.

Two other leaders, Senators John Barrazzo of Wyoming and Steve Daines of Montana, both of Mr. They supported Trump.

The sharp split in funding at the top of the Senate Republican caucus reflects a sharp split within the party, which for much of the post-World War II period was a strong supporter of projecting American power overseas and supporting American allies. But there is a growing and strong feeling among Republicans — Mr. Encouraged by Trump – is to withdraw from foreign engagement.

Mr. McConnell has been one of the most vocal on sending aid to Ukraine. He called Kevin's war against Russian aggression an existential issue, and with increasing fervor in recent days, President Vladimir V. He argued that the United States should not abandon a democratic ally standing up to Putin.

Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, on Monday attempted to slow down the military aid operation, calling the idea that bolstering Ukraine was necessary for US national security “ridiculous”.

“I think sending money to Ukraine actually puts our national security at greater risk,” Mr. Paul said. “The leadership is united, but it is the wrong kind of compromise. A compromise that robs the treasury. They pile on borrowed money.

Among others who voted for the funding were Senators John Cornyn of Texas, a former Republican party leader who is interested in re-entering the leadership post, and Charles E. of Iowa, a longtime Senate Republican. Grassley included.

National security chiefs and veterans

Several members of the Armed Services Committee have supported moving the bill forward, including Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the senior Republican on the panel. Other members of the panel who voted to advance military aid were Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Ms. Ernst and Senators Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma.

Mrs. Ernst served overseas as an Iowa National Guard officer, and Mr. Sullivan was a colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve. A third Republican who has been a strong supporter of the aid is Senator Todd Young of Indiana, a former Navy officer.

Democrats have praised the 18 Republicans who joined them on the Ukraine initiative.

“I think they understand the need to support Ukraine, especially because it's a contest between the rules-based international order and Russian autocracy,” said Senator Jack Reid, Democrat of Rhode Island and chairman of the Armed Services Committee. “They also understand that this could quickly involve our service members.”

Mainstream Republicans and Owners

Members of the Appropriations Committee, including two centrist senators — Susan Collins of Maine, the senior Republican on the spending committee, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — were instrumental in providing aid. Among the other proponents behind the bill are Mr. Moran, Senator John F. Kennedy of Louisiana, and Ms. Capito.

The measure has the support of a handful known to break with their party and support bipartisan compromises, including Senators Mitt Romney of Utah, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee; Bill Cassidy of Louisiana; and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

“I think there's a general understanding that if we fail this referendum, if we don't support Ukraine — this is not hysterical, this is not exaggeration — bad things will happen,” Mr. Tillis said Monday.

Republican supporters of the legislation said Mr. They say they can't care less about Trump or the potential electoral consequences given the urgent need to contain Russia and avoid a wider war in Europe or Asia.

“The stakes are high and we have to meet the moment,” Ms. Collins said.

As for the potential backlash, Mr. Tillis said he wasn't worried.

“I slept like a baby last night,” he said, referring to Sunday's vote by a majority of his Republican colleagues to pass the filibuster.

The following is an alphabetical list of the 18 Republicans Voted to advance the bill An important procedural hurdle was crossed on Sunday: