Johnson proceeds with Ukraine aid bill, resisting pressure from extremists
TL/DR –
Speaker Mike Johnson is set to put a series of foreign aid bills, including funding for Ukraine, up for voting. The decision, which includes a loan-structured aid plan, has been met with significant pressure from hardliners, including former President Donald Trump. Johnson’s decision is causing a shift in the House, with some conservative members threatening to oust him from his position, and others waiting to see the final aid package before deciding their support.
Speaker Johnson’s Foreign Aid Bills Amid Pressure from Hardliners
Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed Wednesday, his decision to bring a series of foreign aid bills to the floor, including support for Ukraine, despite significant opposition from hardliners. Johnson noted that the vote on these would take place on Saturday evening.
“These bills aim to fund America’s national security interests and allies in Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and Ukraine, with a loan structure for aid and an enhanced strategy and accountability,” he stated. This approach to aid was formed following a meeting with ex-President Donald Trump, who suggested structuring foreign aid as a loan.
Johnson has been under increased pressure to modify the foreign aid package presented earlier this week, not only from his right-wing members. He announced that he would introduce an immigration bill that resembles the House’s HR 2 in response to demands for border security measures to pass foreign aid.
Reactions to Johnson’s Decision
However, many far-right House Republicans have promptly dismissed the border bill that would accompany the foreign aid bills, undermining hopes that the border provisions would appease Johnson’s right-wing members. GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, leading the effort to oust Johnson, criticized his reliance on Democratic votes.
Conservative hardliners were infuriated at Johnson for deciding to push through billions in aid to Ukraine, warning him it could jeopardize his position. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas expressed disappointment, while Rep. Matt Gaetz called Johnson’s decision tantamount to “surrender”, vowing to vote against the package.
Johnson, facing a possible motion to vacate his position, may need Democrats to pass the foreign aid bills. They are withholding their decision on procedural votes on the aid package until they see its content, which includes $9 billion in humanitarian aid to conflict zones including Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti.
Support for Aid to Ukraine and Israel
President Joe Biden, in an opinion piece the Wall Street Journal, urged the House to pass “urgent” aid to Ukraine and Israel. He noted that the U.S. support has been crucial for both nations in defending against attacks and protecting their citizens.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin observed that the battlefield in Ukraine was beginning to shift in Russia’s favor, underscoring the urgent need for the supplemental aid package for Ukraine.
House Democrats are divided on whether they would try to save Johnson if an effort to oust him gets underway in the chamber. The decision to replace Johnson could result in the House plunging into chaos again, with legislation being delayed until a new speaker is elected.
CNN’s Manu Raju contributed to this report.
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