Tuesday 10 May 2022 08:17 PM House could vote today on $40 billion aid package for Ukraine trends now
The House of Representatives will vote Tuesday night on an additional $40 billion in aid to the Ukraine that includes $67 million for the Justice Department to sell off the seized yachts of Russian oligarchs.
'Time is of the essence – and we cannot afford to wait,' Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in announcing the vote. 'With this aid package, America sends a resounding message to the world of our unwavering determination to stand with the courageous people of Ukraine until victory is won.'
Lawmakers increased President Joe Biden's original $33 billion request, adding $3.4 billion in military aid and $3.4 billion in humanitarian assistance, for the Ukrainians.
The money includes $67 million for DOJ's General Administration section to help cover the costs of seizing, retaining, and selling forfeited property - such as the yachts of Russian oligarchs -r elated to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Biden administration plans to sell off the seized assets of Vladimir Putin's cronies and give the money to the Ukraine to help them fight off the Russian invasion.
The United States already has sezied a $90 million yacht owned by Viktor Vekselberg, called the Tango. And that is just a portion of the $1 billion in yachts, planes and artwork — not to mention hundreds of millions in cash — that the United States has identified as belonging to Putin's wealthy friends. Americans, working in Fiji, have also sezied a $300 million yacht beloning to Suleiman Kerimov, a Russian gold magnate.
The seized yatch 'Tango', which belongs to Renova Group head Viktor Vekselberg, moors in the port of Palma de Mallorca, Spain
The $300 Million yacht of Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, seized in Fiji at the request of the United States
The legislation also includes $8.7 billion to replenish US stocks of equipment sent to Ukraine through drawdown authority.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is getting $300 million for operations, security and relocation. The embassy was closed with Russia's invasion but administration officials have said they want to reopen it.
There is $900 million for refugees, which will fund housing, English language classes, trauma and support services, community support (including school impact grants), and case management.
The Senate could take up the package next week.
'After the House passes the legislation, it is my intention for the Senate to act on it as soon as we can,' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a speech on the Senate floor on Tuesday.
But lawmakers split off $10 billion in funding for the covid pandemic in order to rush through money for the war-torn country, which is entering its second
