By David Morgan

WASHINGTON (Reuters] – On Thursday, the top Democrat senator and Republican of the U.S. Senate merged forces to attempt to pass $40billion in Ukraine aid. But Senator Rand Paul was able to stop them.

With the possibility of prolonged delays for the House of Representatives package, Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell tried to advance the aid package. But Paul, a fiscal hawk of long standing, stopped them from moving forward.

This impasse has threatened to prevent the passage of the bill into next week. Schumer, late on Thursday, moved to stop the discussion on the bill. That could lead to a preliminary procedural vote being held on Monday. It was unclear if leaders are still trying to reach a compromise that would speed up the bill’s passage.

Schumer declared on the Senate Floor, “The package has been approved and is now ready for use. It’s what the overwhelming majority of senators want.”

“If Senator Paul insists on his reckless demands…all he will do is single-handedly delay desperately needed Ukraine assistance.”

The Senate debate over Ukraine aid could drag on to next week and cause serious problems for Western countries that are trying support Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Biden’s administration stated that it expected to exhaust its funds by May 19, according to an authority that authorizes the president, without the approval of Congress, to transfer weapons in an emergency situation.

Paul wants the legislation to be changed to make it require that an inspector general oversee all spending related to Ukraine. Without Paul’s agreement, Senate must adhere to the long process outlined by its obscure rules.

Schumer, his political rival and McConnell joined him in an act of legislative theater. McConnell also spoke to the urgency of this situation.

“Ukraine does not want us to wage war. They only want the resources to protect themselves from this deranged invasion. McConnell is Paul’s Kentucky Senator.

With only Republicans voting against, the House approved the Ukraine spending bill 368 to 56.

Joe Biden, President of the United States asked Congress to authorize an additional $33 Billion in Ukraine aid. The lawmakers instead approved an increase in military and humanitarian funding.

McConnell, Schumer, and McConnell presented Paul with an amendment vote. The proposal would need support from 60 Senators for passage.

Paul, however, refused to accept the offer. He demanded that Senate pass his amendment in order for them to vote on the aid package.

“This bill is the second spending bill to Ukraine within two months. Paul declared that the bill was “three times bigger than the first.” He then blocked the aid package. “Congress wants to continue spending and spending.”