US Senate advances $95bn aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

On Thursday, the US Senate advanced a $95.34bn bill encompassing assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, following the Republicans' blocked compromise legislation that aimed to significantly reform immigration policy.

Senators backed a procedural motion by 67-32, exceeding the 60-vote threshold to advance the bill. Seventeen Republicans voted in favour, in a shift after they blocked the broader bill on Wednesday.

"This is a good first step. This bill is essential for our national security, for the security of our friends in Ukraine, in Israel, for humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza, and for Taiwan," Majority Leader of the Senate Chuck Schumer said in the Senate after the vote.

The 100-member chamber has not yet announced a schedule for the final vote on the bill, with some senators indicating a readiness to extend the session into the weekend if needed.