Johnson Seeks a Strategy on Ukraine, Promising the U.S. Will ‘Fulfill Its Duty’
TL/DR –
Speaker Mike Johnson is caught in a difficult position as he aims to organize aid for Ukraine while facing opposition within his own party. Mr. Johnson, who has privately expressed a desire to send aid to Ukraine despite his past votes against it, is under pressure from members like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who filed a resolution calling for his removal due to his position on Ukraine’s aid. Despite the opposition, Mr. Johnson is exploring numerous options and has expressed interest in linking Ukraine aid to a measure forcing the Biden administration to reverse its moratorium on liquid natural gas exports, as well as considering combining aid packages for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
Speaker Johnson’s Delicate Balance on Ukraine Aid
Speaker Mike Johnson faced tough questions about Ukraine aid at a New Jersey fundraiser. The inquiry, posed by Jacquie Colgan, a member of the nonprofit advocacy group, the American Coalition for Ukraine, led to a passionate monologue. Despite party opposition, Johnson strongly emphasized the importance of American aid to Kyiv, invoking his Reagan Republican roots and acknowledging the political tightrope he walks.
Johnson’s stance on Ukraine aid has been communicated to donors, foreign leaders, and congressional members according to notes by Ms. Colgan and interviews with others who had spoken with him.
Despite past opposition, Johnson now seeks a politically safe way of providing aid to Ukraine. His challenge rests in appeasing his party’s growing isolationist wing – something which Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican of Georgia, has critiqued heavily, recently filing a resolution for his removal.
Despite threats, Johnson retains potential support from Democrats like Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Johnson has promised to address funding when the House reconvenes after the Easter recess.
Johnson is considering linking Ukraine aid to the reversal of a Biden administration moratorium on liquid natural gas exports. He raised this issue in a White House meeting last month, arguing that the ban increased reliance on Russian gas.
His other consideration involves packaging aid to Ukraine with assistance for other U.S. allies, though this plan risks alienating both Republicans and Democrats. Various aid structure options, new sanctions against Russia, and even selling off Russian assets under the REPO Act are all in consideration.
Johnson endures international pressure to facilitate a vote on aid to Ukraine. The consequences of his actions were passionately communicated by Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland during a Washington visit and by President Andrzej Duda of Poland, who appealed to Johnson’s respect for President Reagan.
Despite his agreeable comments, some remain skeptical about Johnson’s intentions. However, at a fundraiser, he emphasized his commitment to finding the best solution for Ukraine aid.
His commitment was tested during a New York fundraiser, where he was approached by executive director of the Together for Ukraine Foundation, Christina Zawerucha, and Anatoliy Pradun, the group’s president. Johnson reassured them that Ukraine aid would be addressed. To this day, however, the promise of a floor vote on aid remains unfulfilled.
Julian Barnes contributed reporting.
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