Alabama U.S. Senators split on foreign aid package

U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) shared different views on the National Security Supplemental bill that passed the Senate Tuesday night.

The bill passed by a 79 to 18 vote. It included $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Originally separate bills in the U.S. House, it was repackaged together and voted on in the Senate.

Britt voted yes on the legislation despite originally voting against an earlier version of the bill in February. She argued the “imperfect bill” was necessary to help keep America safe.

Never Again is now.

Read my full statement on voting to pass the National Security Supplemental here: https://t.co/TfRrvF38R0

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) April 24, 2024

“This legislation, while imperfect, will make critical strides to reestablish credible American deterrence and move us closer to restoring the peace through strength that President Biden inherited,” Britt said in a statement. “I am proud that important bills I have cosponsored will be enacted into law through this package, including crucial measures to combat the fentanyl crisis and restrict Iran’s ability to finance further terrorism.”

The senator also highlighted the importance of supporting Israel after the October 7th terror attacks by Hamas.

“Today marks 200 days since Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists launched barbaric attacks and committed truly evil atrocities in Israel on October 7,” she said. “More than six months have passed, and approximately 130 hostages – including American citizens – are still held by Hamas, and Israel continues to fight for her very existence. Just days ago, we even saw Iran launch an unprecedented barrage of drones and missiles against Israel from Iranian territory. Now more than ever, we must stand with Israel and the Jewish people – including here at home. While our Jewish brothers and sisters across Alabama, America, and the world celebrate Passover, we’re seeing a disgusting rise of virulent antisemitism and pro-terrorist sentiment play out on our nation’s city streets and on college campuses.

“Make no mistake – ‘Never Again’ is now. This legislation will not only crack down on Iran and empower Israel with the tools needed to protect herself, but it will also help synagogues and other houses of worship safeguard their congregations in communities across the United States.”

Sen. Tuberville split with Britt in principle, arguing it contributed to the national debt while not doing anything to secure the southern border. According to the U.S. Senate roll call on Tuesday night, Tuberville was marked among a handful of members not voting on the bill.

This bill also includes 9 BILLION for Gaza which is controlled by Hamas.

Has the Biden administration given up on the hostages? Seems that way.

Ridiculous. https://t.co/fbrT8CmmFf

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) April 23, 2024

“We are a country that is $35 trillion in debt,” Tuberville said. “We are country whose southern border is wide open thanks to the Biden Administration. Illegal immigrants are invading our country. Drugs, including fentanyl, are flooding across [our borders] and killing hundreds – hundreds – of Americans a day.”

He also said sending money to a “corrupt” country like Ukraine isn’t in the country’s best interest.

“Instead of debating legislation to close the border and fix the economy, we are about to send billions of dollars to one of the most corrupt countries in the world,” he argued. “The war in Ukraine is [at a] stalemate. It has been for a while. Pouring more money into Ukraine’s coffers will only prolong the conflict and lead to more loss of life. No one at the White House, the Pentagon, or the State Department can articulate what victory looks like in this fight. They couldn’t when we sent the first tranche of aid over two years ago.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee