According to Fox News reporter Griff Jenkins, there has been a significant increase in Chinese nationals entering the United States through the southern border.
House Republican defense hawks are advocating for a method to pass foreign aid through Congress. This comes after Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed his unwillingness to consider the Senate’s efforts in this regard.
House GOP leaders have faced criticism for their opposition to the Senate’s approval of a substantial foreign aid package. However, there is a significant number of Republicans and Democrats who are advocating for some sort of assistance to be provided to American allies abroad. This support is so strong that leading House Democrats are urging their colleagues to bypass Johnson’s objections and bring the Senate package directly to the floor.
According to the House Republicans that Fox News Digital reached out to, they have not yet been contacted by the opposing party. Nonetheless, they expressed their interest in seeing the aid pass. Some Republicans are even actively working on developing a new plan.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., informed reporters on Wednesday that a group of GOP lawmakers is currently developing a plan that includes providing aid for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific. The plan also incorporates elements of border security.
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House GOP defense hawks, namely Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Jen Kiggans, and Don Bacon, are all voicing their concerns regarding the future of foreign aid in the House.
“It’s not bipartisan yet, but we’re actively working towards that goal,” stated Fitzpatrick. “I have a personal connection to Ukraine as I used to live there. It was my final assignment as an FBI agent, and I am determined to ensure that Ukraine is not left behind.”
According to Fitzpatrick, the proposed plan would bear a striking resemblance to the one put forth by the Senate. He mentioned that the legislative text for this plan could potentially be made accessible in just a matter of days.
The Senate approved a foreign aid package worth $95 billion early Tuesday morning. The aid is intended for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and Gaza. During a lengthy all-night session, conservatives, who were mostly against providing aid to Ukraine, attempted to delay the process.
The Senate has passed a highly controversial foreign aid bill, allocating billions of dollars to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
After months of delicate bipartisan negotiations, an earlier version of the aid package, which amounted to $118 billion and encompassed border and immigration reforms, ultimately fell apart. However, a new version swiftly materialized and gained traction.
Johnson rejected both bills and stated that he would not allow a vote on them in their current form.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has rejected both of the Senate’s attempts to pass foreign aid.
The House Democrat minority, on the other hand, is openly warning that they will bypass Johnson’s authority by initiating a discharge petition. This strategy would empower them to compel a vote on the Senate’s aid package if a majority of the House supports it.
However, even House Republicans who are considered moderate expressed skepticism about the idea.
According to Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., he revealed that he had been approached by “one or two” Democrats regarding signing a discharge petition. However, he mentioned that he is currently not interested in pursuing it.
Some Republicans focused on defense also mentioned that they had not received any communication from Democrats.
Pentagon Urges 50 Allies to Continue Supporting Kyiv as Funding for Ukraine Runs Out
The Pentagon has officially announced that it has run out of funding for Ukraine, urging its 50 allies to continue supporting Kyiv in its efforts. This news comes as a blow to Ukraine, which has relied on international assistance to bolster its defense capabilities and counter Russian aggression.
Despite the lack of funding, the United States remains committed to assisting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The Pentagon has called on its allies to step up and fill the financial gap, emphasizing the importance of continued support for Kyiv.
The situation in Ukraine remains a top concern for the international community. Russia’s ongoing aggression and destabilization efforts in the region have necessitated a united front in support of Ukraine. As such, the Pentagon’s call for continued support from its allies is crucial in maintaining stability and ensuring Ukraine’s security.
It is worth noting that the funding shortfall does not diminish the resolve of the United States or its allies to stand with Ukraine. The international community recognizes the importance of supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression.
In conclusion, while the Pentagon has run out of funding for Ukraine, it is urging its 50 allies to continue supporting Kyiv in its fight against Russian aggression. The international community remains committed to standing with Ukraine and ensuring its security and stability in the face of ongoing challenges.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a Republican from Florida, expressed his support for the leadership’s decisions but also emphasized the need to address aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan through separate bills.
Navy veteran Representative Jen Kiggans, a Republican from Virginia, declined to disclose to Fox News Digital whether she would sign a discharge petition if one were presented. However, she also expressed her frustration with the lack of clarity from her own party leadership regarding a foreign aid proposal.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer successfully guided a $95 billion aid bill through the Senate in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
“I make it a point to thoroughly read and observe everything before making any judgment calls, but surprisingly, no one has approached me to discuss it,” Kiggans expressed. “I have actually inquired a couple of times about the schedule for voting on a foreign aid package. It is crucial for us to support our military abroad and ensure that we stand by our allies. Given the current state of the world, we must recognize that it can be quite daunting.”
According to Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., it is too early to discuss a discharge petition. However, he also acknowledged the urgency of the matter and emphasized the need for action.
“I believe it is imperative for us to provide greater support to our allies across the globe. We should strive to find alternative solutions to fulfill this objective, rather than resorting to a discharge petition,” he expressed to Fox News Digital.
