In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, the House advanced a foreign aid package totaling $95 billion for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, and humanitarian assistance, propelled by a robust coalition of lawmakers aiming for final votes over the weekend.
Friday’s vote marked an unusual departure from the typically polarized House, with Democrats joining Republican Speaker Mike Johnson’s initiative in a resounding 316-94 approval. The package is now poised for potential finalization this weekend, pending Senate consideration.
The success marked a triumph for Johnson’s strategic maneuvering, initiated this week after two months of deliberation over the legislation. Despite facing challenges to his leadership, particularly amid efforts to oust him as speaker, Johnson embarked on a concerted effort, including engagements with conservative media, to shore up support for critical funding, especially for Ukraine amid its confrontation with Russia.
“Ukrainians desperately need lethal aid right now. … We cannot allow Vladimir Putin to roll through another country and take it,” Johnson emphasized during an appearance on The Mark Levin Show.
Reflecting on the outcome, Johnson acknowledged the legislation’s imperfections but deemed it the “best possible product” attainable given the Republins’ slim majority in the House.
Following months of delays, the House steadily advanced Johnson’s proposed package after his definitive decision earlier this week to move forward with a plan largely mirroring what the Senate had passed in February. President Joe Biden swiftly endorsed the speaker’s initiative, while Donald Trump, despite his reservations regarding foreign aid to Ukraine, refrained from impeding Johnson’s efforts.
Notably, members of the House Rules Committee, in an unprecedented move, united late Thursday in a nearly midnight vote to overcome resistance from a Republican majority faction, forwarding the package to the House floor for debate.
Democratic leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries underscored the significance of supporting democratic allies, affirming that the bill’s clearance represents a pivotal moment for American solidarity.
However, Johnson faces further challenges on Saturday, with Democrats’ assistance essential in countering proposed Republican amendments that could jeopardize the package’s passage. Among these amendments is one from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene seeking to eliminate spending for Ukraine.
Moreover, Greene’s motion to remove Johnson from office garnered support from Rep. Paul Gosar, escalating pressure on Johnson’s leadership. With the House’s narrow majority, Johnson remains reliant on Democrats’ backing to navigate legislative hurdles and secure passage of the aid package.
Despite the procedural complexity and mixed reactions among lawmakers, the bipartisan endeavor underscores the urgency of providing crucial aid to allies and addressing humanitarian concerns amid global challenges.
