The House is set to vote on a foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan worth $95.3 billion, which has been stalled for months. Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, is using a strategy to break the package down into three pieces, add a fourth bill to sweeten the deal, and then combine them back together again. This approach is intended to garner support from different political bases for each element of the package without allowing opposition to any one part to defeat the entire package. Johnson’s slim majority and opposition within his own party make Democratic support crucial for passage.
The plan involves an all-or-nothing procedural vote on a measure known as a rule, which sets out how debate and voting will proceed. This vote is crucial as it requires support from Democrats due to opposition from right-wing Republicans. The rule is expected to allow for separate votes on each component of the package before merging them into one bill. This allows lawmakers to support aid for Israel or Ukraine individually while opposing the counterpart, creating a procedural hurdle nearly as significant as the legislation itself.
The aid package includes $60.8 billion for military aid to Ukraine, with a portion earmarked for defense stockpile replenishment and the purchase of U.S. defense systems. Israel would receive $26.4 billion in military aid, primarily for defensive capabilities, including replenishing defense systems. Additionally, $8 billion would be allocated to Taiwan to counter China, with a focus on providing offensive weapons and advanced U.S. technology. A fourth measure includes Republican priorities to boost party support.
The aid for Ukraine includes a greater supply of American-made missiles, repayment requirements for economic assistance, and potential loan forgiveness. Military aid for Israel prioritizes defensive capabilities and operations in the region. Aid for Palestinians is directed towards humanitarian efforts, with funding barring support for UNRWA. The Taiwan aid package would allow for the quick provision of offensive weapons and advanced U.S. technology in alliance-building efforts against China’s influence.
The fourth measure in the aid package includes redirecting funds from seized Russian assets to offset American aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Iranian and Russian officials. It also limits the export of U.S. technology used in Iranian drones and includes legislation to compel the parent company of TikTok to sell the platform or face a ban in the U.S. The bill aims to address Republican concerns while drawing more party support for the aid package.
The House Rules Committee has approved the procedural measure in a 9-to-3 vote, with Democrats rescuing it after far-right Republicans refused to back it, signaling the importance of bipartisan support for the aid package. Johnson’s strategy seeks to navigate political divisions within the Republican Party and pass the aid package with Democratic backing, highlighting the complexities of foreign aid allocation and legislative maneuvering in the current political climate.
