The Biden administration proceeded to write off about 4.7 billion. dollars in U.S. loans to Ukraine, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Wednesday, as outgoing officials try to do what they can before they leave office to bolster Ukraine in its war against Russia, according to the Reuters agency.

A funding bill passed by the US Congress in April included just over $9.4 billion. dollars of write-off loans to financially support the Ukrainian government, half of which the president could cancel after November 15. The bill had a total of 61 billion. in aid to Ukraine to fight the full-scale invasion launched by Moscow in February 2022.

“We have taken the step described in the law to cancel these loans”Miller said at a press conference.

Congress could still block that decision, Miller said.

The Senate is set to vote later on Wednesday on a motion to disapprove of loan forgiveness for Ukraine by Republican Sen. Rand Paul, a frequent critic of US support for Ukraine. A majority of senators from both parties support aid to Ukraine.

President Joe Biden has ordered officials to rush to provide as much aid as possible to Ukraine before he leaves office on January 20, amid concerns that President-elect Donald Trump could reduce US support.