House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing pressure from both sides of the aisle as he navigates the decision on Ukraine aid. With a narrow majority and the threat of losing his speakership, Johnson is considering various options for providing aid to Ukraine while balancing the concerns of conservative members. Some Republicans, including Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell, emphasize the importance of assistance to Ukraine, while others are hesitant to support additional aid.
Johnson has expressed reluctance to simply pass the Senate’s $95 billion aid package and is exploring alternative options. He has suggested including the REPO act, a bill to seize Russian assets and use the funds for Ukraine, as well as structuring aid as a loan. However, these options may present challenges for Johnson, particularly in garnering enough support from his chamber to pass the bill under a suspension of the rules, which would require a two-thirds majority.
Conservatives have varying opinions on providing aid to Ukraine, with some open to the idea as long as it is offset or structured as a loan. However, others are adamantly opposed to any form of aid, and Johnson’s decision to bring it to the floor could jeopardize his speakership. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has even introduced a resolution to oust Johnson, highlighting the internal divisions within the Republican Party on this issue.
To overcome resistance in his chamber, one option that has been floated is to separate the aid package so that aid to Israel and Ukraine can be voted on separately. This strategy could drive up Democratic support for Ukraine aid and allow Republicans to vote for aid to Israel. Johnson will also face pressure from defense hawks who are expecting action on Ukraine aid after giving him time to address previous spending deadlines.
While Democrats are committed to passing additional aid for Ukraine, they are waiting for Johnson to outline a clear plan before committing. The White House has indicated a willingness to consider structuring aid as a loan if that is how the House proceeds. However, Democrats are also pushing for humanitarian aid to Gaza to be included in any aid package, as was included in the Senate’s bill. Overall, Johnson faces a complex political landscape as he works to navigate the contentious issue of providing aid to Ukraine.
