U.S. Senate approves aid to Ukraine, blocks aid to small businesses on same day

The United States Senate Thursday blocked a bill that would have provided $48 billion in aid to restaurants and other small businesses hit hard by the pandemic, according to The Hill. 

The Senate voted 52-43 to hold a vote on the bipartisan bill, just shy of the required 60 votes to put S. 4008 to a vote. 

The bill was sponsored by Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MI) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) and backed by Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY). 

Those who opposed the bill, which aimed to bring small business out of debt, cited inflation and the federal deficit. 

The very same day, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to provide $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, a measure which was signed by Joe Biden Saturday. Many of the senators who voted for the aid to Ukraine also voted against the aid to American small businesses, among them Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.   

Earlier this month when the Ukraine aid measure was introduced, McConnell explained that everyone agrees the Russia-Ukraine war is “the most important thing going on in the world.” 

“I think we all agree the most important thing going on in the world right now is the war in Ukraine,” McConnell told reporters at a press conference. “I had a chance to call the president last week and request that the Ukraine package move by itself and quickly. He said, let me think it over. He called back in about 15 minutes and agreed that we need to do this for Ukraine only, and quickly.”   

Americans appear to have taken note. 

“The senate blocked $48 billon of aid to small businesses the same it voted for $40 billion to Ukraine. Incredible,” tweeted The Bradford File. 

“Anyone awake yet? Yesterday 1:54 EST Senate passes $40 billion to Ukraine you know money laundering. 3:45 EST less than 2 hours later Senate blocks $48 billion aid package for restaurants, other small businesses.” 

“The Senate voted today to send (launder) 48 billion to Ukraine, and on the same day voted no on 40 billion in aid to American small businesses. Friends, if this doesn't piss you off, nothing will. Our elected officials hate us and are plundering our money.” 

“This happened this week. No one is talking about it. They voted to send that money to Ukraine. You are being robbed. You are being looted. Both parties are in on it.” 

“Senate votes against $48 billion aid package for restaurants and other businesses in need, but will send $40 billion to Ukraine. The politicians that currently run our government continue to put America last. This country is done.”