The Speaker of the House raises uncertainties about the aid package for Ukraine and Israel as senators work towards the conclusive vote.

February 13, 2024

The Speaker of the House raises uncertainties about the aid package for Ukraine and Israel as senators work towards the conclusive vote.

Late on Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson strongly criticized a $95.3 billion aid package earmarked for Ukraine, Israel, and other nations. His critical remarks have raised serious doubts about the fate of the package, just as Senate leaders were working to push it toward a final vote. Despite facing determined opposition from a group of Republican senators engaging in lengthy speeches, Senate leaders aimed to underscore the U.S.'s commitment to its allies by moving towards a vote in the early hours of Tuesday. Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, expressed concerns that the package lacked provisions for border security, stating that it was "silent on the most pressing issue facing our country." This marks a significant and potentially influential opposition to the Ukraine aid from conservatives who have long insisted on including border security measures in the package. Last week, they rejected a bipartisan proposal aimed at addressing the issue of illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.

"Now, as we haven't seen any specific changes to border policy from the Senate, the House will need to independently address these crucial issues," Johnson remarked. He added, "America deserves a more proactive approach than the current state of affairs in the Senate."

The increasing resistance illustrates the ongoing shift in the Republican Party's approach to foreign policy under the sway of Donald Trump, who is poised to become the Republican presidential nominee.

Although the aid package is anticipated to be approved by the Senate, its prospects in the House are uncertain, given the strong alignment of House Republicans with Trump and their significant doubts about providing further assistance to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Despite Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and 17 other GOP senators rallying to support the foreign aid package, Johnson has not indicated any intention to bring the package to a vote in the House.

Republicans have witnessed a decline in support for providing military assistance to Ukraine, but legislators frame the aid as a strategic investment in American interests aimed at preserving global stability. The proposed package, with approximately $60 billion earmarked for Ukraine, allocates a significant portion to replenish the U.S. military with weapons and equipment destined for Kyiv.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the crucial implications of the supplemental package, framing it as a commitment to the survival of Western democracy and American values. Collaborating with McConnell, Schumer sought a House-friendly solution for substantial aid to Ukraine. However, the collapse of the carefully negotiated Senate compromise, which included border policy provisions, has resulted in deep Republican divisions on the legislation.

Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio expressed the viewpoint that the U.S. should take a step back from the conflict and actively pursue diplomatic efforts to bring about a resolution with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He questioned the wisdom of continuing to support Ukraine's defense, given Putin's apparent commitment to prolonging the conflict for an extended period.

Vance, joined by Kentucky Senator Rand Paul and other adversaries, spent an extended period on the Senate floor vehemently opposing the aid and criticizing the Senate's procedural aspects. They persisted in their efforts to postpone the final vote.

Posting on social media, Paul urged stamina from his colleagues, emphasizing their fight for the cause. Defending the delays, Paul argued that it was crucial for the American people to be aware of the opposition.

However, surrendering to Russia was cautioned against by some Republicans who deemed it a perilous decision jeopardizing American safety. In an unusually candid exchange, GOP senators in favor of the aid directly challenged opponents on the Senate floor.

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis passionately countered some of their arguments, highlighting that the funds would only assist Ukraine for a limited duration, and a significant portion would be allocated to replenishing U.S. military supplies.

Tillis emphasized his focus on the vote, expressing concern about avoiding regrettable entries in history by not supporting Ukraine. He warned of potential consequences such as the disintegration of the alliance backing Ukraine, China gaining confidence, and not wanting to be associated with such historical outcomes.

Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas became emotional, discussing the challenges of Senate work and time away from family. Despite acknowledging the hefty cost of the aid package, he stressed the importance of honoring treaty obligations, particularly if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe.

In contrast, former President Trump, at a rally, indicated a more isolationist stance, suggesting that NATO allies delinquent in their commitments should face consequences from Russia. Moran, while supporting the "America First" principle, argued that it still necessitates active engagement with the world.

Senate supporters of the aid package find encouragement in the strong desire among many House Republicans to fund Ukraine's defense. Representative Abigail Spanberger, a Virginia Democrat, conveyed her experience in Kyiv, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for Ukraine's survival. The bipartisan group, which included Republicans such as Mike Turner, witnessed the stark realities of the war during their visit. In discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the lawmakers conveyed the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine, emphasizing its significance for both the country's freedom and U.S. national security interests.

Despite a majority of lawmakers expressing readiness to support the aid package, there are concerns that it could face obstacles in the House, particularly if Speaker Mike Johnson chooses not to bring it to the floor. Spanberger highlighted the frustration of procedural barriers potentially hindering crucial legislation aimed at countering Russian aggression.

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