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Senators Introduce Bill to Use Seized Russian Assets for Ukraine Aid
Two Republican senators introduced legislation Monday allowing Ukraine to buy military equipment with frozen Russian central bank assets. The bill was introduced as Senate leaders said they lacked the votes to pass the SAVE America Act.
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Republican Sens. The measure would let Ukraine purchase military equipment using assets taken from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation. The legislation was also sponsored by Republican Sen. Roger Wicker and Democratic Sens. Chris Coons, Tim Kaine and Sheldon Whitehouse. A Republican representative from South Carolina introduced a companion bill in the House.
Thune stated the SAVE America Act lacks the 60 votes needed to pass. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy told reporters the chamber should move on to other issues. Republican Sen. Mike Lee noted that other measures without sufficient support have continued to receive attention.
The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and identification at polling places. The bill passed the House in April by a 220-208 vote. President Donald Trump signed an immigration enforcement funding package that did not include the measure on June 10.
Cassidy previously supported a $95 billion emergency spending bill for Ukraine in February 2024. Republican Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis joined former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in opposing efforts to attach the SAVE America Act to that package.
A May poll found 75 percent of Trump voters and 52 percent of Americans overall support requiring proof of citizenship before voting.
