House Republican leadership unveiled legislative text for three bills as part of Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan to provide aid to U.S. allies while addressing concerns from conservatives. The bills would allocate $26.4 billion to support Israel, $60.8 billion to bolster Ukraine, and $8.1 billion to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. Another bill would allow the sale of frozen assets of Russian oligarchs, potentially force the sale of TikTok, and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China, and Iran. The House is also expected to release a border security bill separately.
Speaker Johnson announced the proposal amid pressure to vote on a bipartisan Senate package that includes support for U.S. allies. The $95 billion supplemental funding package that passed the Senate has stagnated in the House, with Johnson presenting his own plan for consideration. The legislation provides humanitarian aid and addresses key GOP foreign policy priorities. Lawmakers have expressed urgency in approving funds for Israel following airstrikes by Iran in retaliation for Israeli actions in Syria.
Foreign aid has revealed a divide within the Republican Party, with conservatives opposing additional funding for Ukraine. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has threatened to force a vote to oust Johnson over Ukraine aid, with some support from colleagues. The House Freedom Caucus accused Johnson of neglecting the border crisis. Democrats have kept the door open to supporting Johnson’s plan if it includes aid to allies and humanitarian assistance. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is reserving judgment on the proposal.
With a narrow majority, Democrats may have to save Johnson from a vote to oust him if conservative Republicans follow through. Republicans can afford to lose just a few votes, with Rep. Mike Gallagher possibly postponing his resignation to support the aid package. Johnson’s effort to appease detractors has been met with skepticism from Democrats, who are more concerned about the substance of the legislation. The White House has indicated preliminary support for Johnson’s plan, emphasizing the importance of aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific.
Despite Senate and White House preferences for a vote on the Senate bill, Johnson’s plan to address key foreign policy issues has garnered traction among House Republicans. The bills aim to provide aid to allies, counter China in the Indo-Pacific, and support border security. Johnson’s approach to split the legislation into separate measures may pave the way for swift passage, with President Biden expressing willingness to sign the bills into law. Democrats and Republicans continue to spar over the details of the aid packages, highlighting the ongoing challenges in navigating foreign policy priorities and party divisions.
