In the fight against Putin, Senate unanimously approves measure that once helped beat Hitler

Lawmakers are resorting to extraordinary tactics last used during the most significant global conflict of the 20th century, yet another sign that the U.S. and its allies in Europe believe Russia is threatening liberal order.

The Western world believes that Ukraine can win the fight against the Russians. Some of the military and humanitarian assistance approved by Congress has already been spent. On Tuesday, the State Department announced an additional $100 million in funding for Javelin missiles and other materiel, bringing the total security assistance to $1.7 billion since Russia invaded.

Lawmakers reacted swiftly to urgent pleas from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the necessity of resupplying Ukraine's armed forces took on greater importance.

The gruesome images of dead people in the streets with their hands tied behind their backs emerged last weekend, prompting Western leaders to amplify their allegations of war crimes.

In a brief speech on the Senate floor Wednesday night, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that Russian troops are carrying out a genocide in Ukraine.

Schumer said that Mr. Putin is guilty of genocide when we murder innocent civilians because of who they are.

The act would cut bureaucratic red tape and speed up the transfer of critical military equipment and supplies to Ukraine. It allows for the gift of equipment, with the proviso that the recipient countries repay the U.S. at a later date.

As the war in Ukraine unfolds, delivering military aid as quickly as possible is crucial for the country's ability to defend itself against Putin's unprovoked attacks.

The lead Republican on the effort, John Cornyn of Texas, held up final passage of separate legislation as leverage to pass the Lend-Lease bill. The revocation of normal trade relations with Moscow is part of a bipartisan agreement to vote on additional Russia-related legislation, including an embargo of Russian oil imports.

It is not clear if the House will take up the legislation before the two-week break. The Senate is expected to clear the bill on Thursday.