Polk County's U.S. House members split on $61 billion aid package to Ukraine

The U.S. House of Representative held votes Saturday on financial assistance to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan.

All four representatives of Polk County districts — Rep. Scott Franklin, R-Lakeland; Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Brandon; Rep. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee; and Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Clermont — voted for a resolution to provide $26 billion to Israel. That measure passed 366-58.

Israel continues a military action in Gaza in response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that killed about 1,200 people, with another 253 Israelis taken as hostages. Of the total funding, $9.1 billion is specified for humanitarian needs.

Franklin, Lee and Webster voted against a resolution allotting $61 billion to Ukraine, while Soto voted in favor. The resolution passed, 311-112.

Ukraine is in its third year of defending against an invasion by neighboring Russia. The funding includes $23 billion to replenish weapons, stocks and facilities.

All four representatives voted for a resolution providing $8.1 billion in aid for the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. The measure passed 385-34.

Taiwan, a longtime U.S. ally, is facing increased military pressure from China.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk County's U.S. House members split on aid to Ukraine