Speaker Mike Johnson and other House Republican leaders unveiled a $95 billion foreign aid package on Wednesday. The package aims to provide funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan in response to the actions taken by Russia, Iran, and China, which have defied the international community.
The package comprises a total of $26.4 billion in aid for Israel, which includes $4 billion specifically allocated for replenishing Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. Additionally, there is $60.8 billion in aid designated for Ukraine, with $23 billion allocated for replenishing weapons. Furthermore, the package includes $8.1 billion in aid for the Indo-Pacific region.
Facing a small revolt within his own conference, Johnson informed members to anticipate a final passage vote on the package Saturday evening. However, getting there will be an uphill battle and may potentially jeopardize the speaker’s position.
Far-right Republicans are derisively referring to Johnson’s plan as the “#AmericaLast Act”. They express their discontent with provisions such as the allocation of $481 million to cover housing, medical expenses, and legal fees for Ukrainian refugees arriving in the United States.
In a statement on X, Chip Roy, a Republican Speaker of the House, expressed his opposition to a proposed rule that aims to allocate nearly $100 billion in foreign aid. He criticized the decision, highlighting the pressing issue of dangerous criminals, terrorists, and fentanyl flowing into the country through the border. According to Roy, the border “vote” included in this package is merely a diluted and risky measure intended to provide cover.
Johnson expressed his lack of concern regarding Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s threat to remove him if he proceeded.
“This is not a game or a joke,” Johnson passionately stated to reporters. He emphasized the importance of doing what is right and expressed his commitment to providing every member of the House an opportunity to vote based on their conscience and will. He firmly believed that this is how the institution is meant to function. Johnson acknowledged that taking this stance comes with personal risk, but he believed it was necessary to ensure that they do the right thing, considering that history will be the ultimate judge of their actions.
When asked if he would seek Democratic relief in the event that Greene’s “motion to vacate” is voted on, Johnson dismissed the possibility of engaging in another battle for the speaker’s gavel.
“I don’t waste time pondering over the motion to vacate. My focus is on fulfilling my responsibilities here. I am determined to carry out my duties, regardless of any potential personal ramifications,” Johnson expressed. “If Marjorie brings forward the motion, so be it. We will deal with the consequences as they come. I have a job to do, and I will do it. Ultimately, each member will vote according to their own conscience.”
In a statement released on X, Greene expressed her disagreement, stating that Speaker Johnson, along with the majority of Republicans, voted against allocating $300 million for Ukraine before assuming the position of Speaker. She questioned the reasoning behind making it a top priority to provide Ukraine with an additional $60 billion, as it appears to be out of sync with the views of Republicans. Greene emphasized that passing bills reliant on Democrats further highlights the disconnect with the Republican Party.
Shortly after Johnson dismissed the joint threat posed by Greene and GOP Rep. Thomas Massie to remove him from office, Greene made it clear that she would not submit a privileged resolution to oust Johnson. This resolution, which would necessitate a vote, will not be filed until the new foreign aid packages are presented on the floor.
Greene confidently stated that she can unequivocally dismiss that possibility. She further emphasized her certainty by stating, “I can. I won’t make such a declaration until the bill is presented to the floor, as it will provide substantial evidence to support my previous assertions.”
President Joe Biden and top Democrats are urging lawmakers to support the bills, despite the strong opposition from several Republicans against Johnson’s plan.
In a call to action, Biden emphasized the importance of the House passing the package this week, urging the Senate to promptly follow suit.
“I will immediately sign this into law to send a clear message to the world: We are firmly standing by our friends, and we will not allow Iran or Russia to achieve their objectives,” Biden stated on Wednesday.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the leading Democratic appropriator in the House, has come out in support of three bills that she says closely resemble the bipartisan national security package that was recently passed by the Senate on February 13th.
“We have finally made progress in ensuring assistance for our allies and addressing the urgent need for humanitarian aid,” emphasized DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut. She emphasized the importance of not withdrawing from the global stage under the pretense of prioritizing America’s interests. Instead, she argued that true American leadership is demonstrated by our ability to stand up for the most vulnerable, safeguard their freedom, and uphold their dignity. DeLauro called for the swift approval of these bills to further these objectives.”
Republicans are set to reveal a fourth measure later today, which will include the REPO Act, sanctions, the Tik Tok bill, and other actions aimed at addressing Russia, China, and Iran.
In order to satisfy hardliners, the House will also present a standalone bill regarding the border. This bill will encompass “the fundamental elements of H.R.2” and will be subject to a separate set of rules that will permit amendments.
The House is expected to pass the package this weekend, and if it does, the Senate will have a one-week recess to determine how to proceed with the legislation when it reconvenes on April 29th.
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