A $95.34 billion bill that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan advanced in the U.S. Senate on Thursday after Republicans blocked compromise legislation that included a long-sought overhaul of immigration policy, Reuters agency said Thursday, February 8.

"A good first step. This bill is essential for our national security, for the security of our friends in Ukraine, in Israel, for humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza and for Taiwan," leader of the Democratic majority in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, said after the vote.

It is noted that the senators supported the procedural proposal, exceeding the threshold of 60 votes to advance the bill. Seventeen Republicans voted “for”, an unexpected move after they blocked broader border security measures on Wednesday.

It was not announced when the Senate would vote on the final passage of the bill.