In a remarkable show of bipartisanship on Capitol Hill, House Democrats have rallied behind Republican Speaker Mike Johnson to advance a crucial foreign aid package totaling $95 billion for Ukraine, Israel. In an unprecedented coalition, lawmakers from both parties joined forces to navigate the legislation past procedural barriers, setting the stage for final votes.
After the Senate previously approved the legislation, Hard-line Republican lawmakers expressed their strong opposition. Despite this, the motion to proceed with the aid bill triumphed with a vote of 316 to 94, displaying rare cross-party collaboration in a typically divided chamber.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscored the urgency of the situation by stating that any delay in aid for Ukraine posed “a real risk it will arrive too late” to bolster the nation’s resistance against Russian aggression. The House is scheduled to vote on Saturday for the bill, which allocates $61 billion for the Ukraine conflict, including money to restock U.S. weapons, as well as significant funding for Israel and the Indo-Pacific.
This legislative effort showcases the most recent in a line of crucial bipartisan actions that Johnson has guided through Congress, following important spending bills and the controversial renewal of federal surveillance programs.The coalition that facilitated the bill’s progress included four Democrats from the House rules committee who sided with five Republicans, highlighting Johnson’s capacity to transcend partisan divides and address international concerns decisively. The aid to Ukraine will include forgivable loans, aligning with proposals from influential figures such as former President Donald Trump.
In an attempt to appease conservatives within his party, Johnson announced he would conduct a distinct vote on a border security package,some Republicans have criticized the proposal as inadequate. Two GOP House members have even warned of attempting to remove Johnson if he proceeds with the votes.Far-right congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, was joined by Thomas Massie of Kentucky, in calling for Johnson to resign.
“I want someone that will actually pursue a Republican agenda and knows how to walk in the room and negotiate and not get tossed around the room like some kind of party toy,” Greene said. But she added that she would not move on the motion to vacate Johnson as speaker before the vote on foreign aid.
The result of Saturday’s vote will indicate the U.S.’s position on global leadership and its willingness to assist democracies in need. It is still uncertain if the bills will receive adequate support to be approved.
Relevant articles:
– House Democrats rescue Mike Johnson to save $95bn aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan
– Biden urges Congress to end impasse and send aid to Israel and Ukraine, Al Jazeera English, Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:06:46 GMT
– US House moves closer to vote over aid for Ukraine and Israel, Financial Times, Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:58:00 GMT
– Mike Johnson aid bills: what is the US speaker’s plan for Ukraine and Israel, and will it pass Congress?, The Guardian US, Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:31:00 GMT