Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has indicated that the House of Representatives will act in the coming weeks to secure more funding for Ukraine. He mentioned that after the current recess period, they will be moving forward with a product that will include important innovations. Johnson has been working to build consensus on a supplemental national security and foreign aid package, aiming to differentiate it from previous attempts. The House is scheduled to return on April 9, with plans to pursue this issue immediately after the district work period.
Earlier this year, Republicans rejected a $118 billion aid package for Ukraine, Taiwan, Israel, and the U.S. border, citing concerns about addressing the ongoing border crisis. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and President Biden have been urging Johnson to consider a slimmer $95 billion package without border measures. Johnson explained that they are trying to leverage this aid package to push for changes at the border, as well as to force the President to use his executive authority, which they feel he has not fully utilized. Despite these challenges, Johnson believes there will be consensus around the actions they are planning to take for Ukraine.
Johnson emphasized three specific details regarding the aid package for Ukraine. He mentioned the REPO Act, proposed in the House last year, which involves liquidating seized Russian assets to provide assistance to Ukraine. Former President Trump also raised the idea of providing aid to Ukraine in the form of a loan, which Johnson mentioned could be repaid if Ukraine succeeds in the war against Russia. Another proposal involves leveraging American energy resources, particularly natural gas exports, to undermine Vladimir Putin’s war efforts in Ukraine. These ideas are aimed at providing effective and innovative support to Ukraine in its conflict against Russia.
There has been pushback against President Biden’s administration for pausing exports of liquefied natural gas, with critics alleging that this move gives Russia more control over the market and helps to fund its invasion of Ukraine. Republicans have criticized Biden for sending mixed messages to Ukraine with his energy policies, arguing that by shutting off American energy sources, Biden indirectly supports Putin’s war efforts. Johnson emphasized the importance of unleashing American energy resources to counter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, highlighting the potential impact of natural gas exports in undermining Putin’s war efforts.
As the situation in Ukraine grows more dire, there is increasing bipartisan pressure on Congress to provide additional support to Kyiv. Johnson’s specific comments on Ukraine aid during a recent interview reflect the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action. However, Johnson is also facing criticism from some conservatives, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, for his support of Ukraine aid. Greene, who previously filed a motion to oust Johnson over a funding deal, expressed concerns about providing additional defense funding for Ukraine while issues such as border security remain contentious. Despite this criticism, Johnson remains committed to addressing the challenges faced by Ukraine and has indicated a willingness to engage with dissenting voices within the party.
In response to the ongoing debate surrounding Ukraine aid, Johnson and other members of Congress are planning to move forward with a new funding package aimed at supporting Ukraine. The proposed package includes innovative approaches to assist Ukraine, such as utilizing seized Russian assets, providing aid in the form of loans, and leveraging American energy resources. These efforts are intended to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression and provide much-needed support to a country facing a dire humanitarian crisis. As bipartisan pressure mounts for action, Johnson and his colleagues are working to address the complex challenges of the conflict in Ukraine while navigating political divides and competing priorities at home.
