The establishment of a brand-new Oversight committee, entrusted with overseeing aid to Ukraine, has been formally rejected by the US Senate. The Senate took the necessary move on Wednesday night by blocking the office that was mentioned in a clause of the US Annual Defence Spending Bill.
There were 45 senators who voted against the office, including every member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The change will also be a part of the 2024 NDAA, which authorises funding for the national defense.
Senate prevents the establishment of an office to oversee US aid to Ukraine
The US Senate has formally opposed the formation of a new Oversight committee, which is a significant milestone. The committee was specifically tasked with auditing the ongoing US assistance provided to Ukraine and was scheduled to be included in the new defense budget bill.
The majority-democratic opposition prevented the amendment from receiving the 60 votes necessary to become law. Additionally, Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Bernie Sanders of Vermont chose to block the committee.
If the NDAA’s overall budget has been significantly affected by the amendment. It would have used $10 million of its $886 billion specifically to establish an inspector general’s office. It would also have established a 30-person committee with the designated mandate.
The US’s assistance to Ukraine has undoubtedly caused rifts on Capitol Hill. There have, however, been many solutions put out. Among these is the appointment of a single inspector general to monitor aid, as was the case in 2008 with regard to Afghan spending. On the other hand, it was suggested that the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) be used to oversee Ukrainian aid.
