The House of Representatives approved sending $60 billion to Ukraine for defense against Russia, with a slim majority of Republicans voting in favor. Democrats passed around Ukrainian flags during the vote, prompting criticism from the lawmaker presiding over the vote. Lawmakers also worked to pass a $95 billion foreign aid plan which included aid for Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and other national security measures. The passage of all four bills represented a victory for Speaker Mike Johnson, although the divisive nature of the Ukraine funding was evident in the close margins of the GOP vote.
There is a growing divide within the Republican party regarding Ukraine funding, with fiscal conservatives expressing skepticism about continued financial involvement and concerns about corruption within the Ukrainian government. However, traditional Republicans and national security hawks stress the importance of supporting Ukraine to prevent a wider conflict between NATO and Russia. Speaker Johnson issued a warning that he believes China, Russia, and Iran are forming an “axis of evil,” with Putin potentially seeking further aggression in Europe. Johnson emphasized the importance of providing aid to Ukraine to prevent American military intervention.
The support for foreign aid, particularly to Ukraine, is threatening Johnson’s position as Speaker. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a resolution to oust Johnson, joined by two other House Republicans, in protest of his efforts on government spending and foreign aid. Greene criticized Johnson for prioritizing foreign aid over securing the southern border and addressing illegal immigration. Although there is a risk that Johnson may lose his position as Speaker, Rep. Don Bacon praised him for doing the right thing by pushing the foreign aid package through, stating that Ukraine was in a precarious situation that required swift action.
Greene accused Johnson of betraying his party by supporting foreign aid, calling his actions a “foreign war package that does nothing for America.” Despite the potential consequences for his leadership position, some Democrats have indicated they would help save Johnson’s job if he put the Ukraine aid bill to a vote. The bill providing roughly $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific passed with overwhelming support earlier on Saturday. Johnson’s decision to prioritize foreign aid, particularly for Ukraine, has led to tensions within the Republican Party and raised concerns about his leadership among some members, while others commend his commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
