The Senate has cleared the first barrier to starting debate on the $95 billion aid package for countries like Ukraine and Israel.
The Senate has now cleared the first barrier to starting debate on the $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
But how long until there’s a final vote?
In short, this might take a while.
Expect the strong possibility of weekend sessions and even important overnight votes. It’s possible this may not wrap up until next Tuesday – or beyond.
To wit:
The Senate overcame a filibuster just to start debate on the bill. From a very technical standpoint, the Senate is not on the bill just yet. Opponents of clearing the filibuster are awarded 30 hours after the vote early today.
So, unless there is an agreement to speed things up, the Senate could vote Friday evening around 7 pm ET just to get on the bill.
At that stage, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) will likely “file cloture” to try to end debate on the bill.
By rule, if Schumer files on Friday, the Senate cannot vote to overcome the second filibuster until Sunday.
