House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing pressure from his GOP colleagues as he tries to advance wartime aid for Israel, Ukraine, and allies in Asia. The $95 billion supplemental package includes support for U.S. allies and humanitarian aid for civilians in Ukraine and Gaza, among other provisions. The recent attack by Iran on Israel has increased the urgency of approving the funding. Johnson is working to put together the details of the package and hopes to advance it this week.
GOP Rep. Mike Turner has expressed support for funding for Israel, Ukraine, and allies in Asia to come to the House floor this week. Johnson is considering structuring some of the funding for Kyiv as loans, tapping frozen Russian assets, and other policy changes. The only package with broad bipartisan support in Congress is the Senate-passed bill that includes funding for Ukraine and Israel. The White House is urging Johnson to put the package on the floor as soon as possible to address the threats faced by Ukraine and Israel.
Johnson has been in talks with both the White House and former president Donald Trump to advance the funding for Ukraine. He visited Florida to meet with Trump and garnered support for their shared agenda items. Trump’s “America First” agenda has led to a more isolationist stance among many Republicans, making support for Ukraine more challenging. Johnson is facing pressure from conservatives within his party who are critical of his leadership on government spending and other issues.
The situation in Ukraine is becoming increasingly dire as Russia gains ground and Ukrainian troops face shortages of ammunition. Johnson is working to put together a package that satisfies both Republicans and Democrats, with some Democrats calling for the Senate-passed package to be put on the floor immediately. Progressive Democrats have raised concerns about supporting aid to Israel, but most House Democrats are behind supporting the Senate package. Democrats are willing to support Johnson if he puts the Senate bill on the floor.
With the urgency of the situation in Ukraine and Israel, Johnson is under pressure to advance the funding package quickly. The divided dynamic within Congress has made it difficult for Johnson to navigate the competing interests and demands of both Republicans and Democrats. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the recent attack on Israel have underscored the importance of providing support to these allies. Johnson’s ability to navigate these challenges and secure funding for Ukraine and other allies will be a critical test of his leadership as House Speaker.
