US Senate blocks Ukraine aid bill, vote continues

The vote was along party lines, with every Senate Republican voting no along with Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who generally votes with Democrats but had expressed concerns about funding Israel's "current inhumane military strategy" against Palestinians.

"Today's vote is what it takes for the Democratic leader to recognise that Senate Republicans mean what we say. Then let's vote. And then let's finally start meeting America's national security priorities, including right here at home," Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said in a floor speech earlier on Wednesday.