GOP Rep. Mike Turner has raised concerns about Russian propaganda infiltrating some of his House Republican colleagues, with some even echoing anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia sentiments on the House floor. Turner, the chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, is alarmed by the spread of disinformation and incorrect beliefs about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He highlighted the challenge of distinguishing between authoritarian regimes and democracies, linking Russia’s propaganda efforts to other authoritarian leaders like China’s President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
Turner’s remarks were supported by House Foreign Relations Committee Chair Michael McCaul, who also expressed worry about Russian propaganda influencing the GOP base. Both lawmakers emphasized the importance of recognizing the authoritarian nature of leaders like Putin and understanding the implications for national security. They urged Congress to approve more military aid to Ukraine, emphasizing its critical need during this period. However, efforts to pass Ukraine aid have stalled in the House, with Speaker Mike Johnson hesitant to bring a Senate-approved aid package to a vote.
While Rep. Don Bacon has secured commitments from Johnson and McCaul to allow a bipartisan Ukraine military aid package to move forward, the uncertainty remains about when this will actually happen. Rep. French Hill also expressed optimism that Ukraine aid would be given priority once other legislative matters are resolved. There are concerns that if Johnson does not act promptly on Ukraine aid, he could face a potential vote to oust him from the speakership. Turner, however, believes that Johnson’s position is secure and attributes the calls for his removal to disruptive individuals within the GOP.
Democrats have indicated that they may support efforts to save Johnson’s speakership, particularly if a motion to vacate, such as the one filed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, is brought to a vote. It remains to be seen how the GOP will approach the issue of Ukraine aid and the potential consequences for Johnson’s leadership. The growing influence of Russian propaganda within the GOP is a significant concern for lawmakers like Turner and McCaul, who are working to counter disinformation and ensure that the United States remains committed to supporting countries like Ukraine in the face of authoritarian aggression.
