The man likes his trips.
A few details of the Senate's Ukrainian aid bill are coming to light, via
Foreign Relations chairman Bob Menendez.
The bill mirrors one passed in the House last week by providing $1 billion in U.S. loan guarantees to Ukraine but goes further by containing language allowing a 2010 restructuring of the IMF to go forward.
It also directs the administration to help Ukraine in recovering assets linked to corrupt activities by former President Viktor Yanukovych, provides $50 million in direct aid for “democracy, governance and civil society assistance” and $100 million for military aide.
The committee will do a mark-up of the bill this afternoon; IMF reforms may be the main sticking point for conservatives, since those reforms may weaken United States' influence over the organization.
Meanwhile, Sen. John McCain is helping the way he generally helps out during a crisis: by arranging photo-ops.
Seven senators plan to visit Ukraine this weekend to meet with the country's political leaders and show support for the country's ongoing standoff with Russia. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who is leading the delegation, confirmed to reporters that he and "a large number" of senators of both parties would be making the trip.
Never really been a fan of senators of either party drifting off to make foreign policy statements in crisis zones, that generally being not their job, but I realize I'm probably in a tiny minority on that one. And McCain, who have we mentioned lately really wanted to be president so he could be in charge of these things, probably gets a warmer reception in Ukraine than he does in his home state.
3:26 PM PT: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved the bill 14-3. It now goes to the full Senate for debate.