House Speaker Mike Johnson is under immense pressure as he attempts to win House approval for a national security package that includes funding for Ukraine, allies in Asia, and humanitarian aid for Ukraine and Gaza. Johnson also hopes to address the recent attack by Iran on Israel by advancing wartime aid for Israel. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed the need to help Israel and Ukraine and work out a plan to get this aid approved in the coming week. Johnson has been involved in conversations with the White House and former President Donald Trump in efforts to advance funding for Ukraine.
In his attempts to secure aid for Ukraine and allies, Johnson has faced pushback from fellow Republicans, including former President Trump supporters who advocate for a more isolationist approach. Johnson has expressed support for legislation that would structure funding for Kyiv as loans and allow the U.S. access to frozen Russian central bank assets. The only package with wide bipartisan support in Congress is the Senate-passed bill that includes funding for Ukraine and Israel. White House national security spokesman John Kirby urged Johnson to put this package to a vote on the House floor as soon as possible.
Johnson faces criticism from hardline conservatives who are openly defying his leadership and calling for his ouster, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene who has accused Johnson of antisemitism for linking Israeli aid to Ukraine aid. Many Republicans are growing frustrated with the delay in passing the aid package, as Ukraine faces increasing threats from Russia’s offensive. Senior GOP lawmakers who support aid to Ukraine are concerned about the impact of the delay on Kyiv’s ability to defend itself. Johnson must navigate the divisions within his party to move the aid package forward.
The urgency of the situation in Ukraine and Israel has led many Democrats to support the Senate-passed aid package, despite concerns about the impact of aid on the conflict in Gaza. While progressive Democrats have hesitated to support aid to Israel, the majority of House Democrats have backed the Senate bill as the most viable option to provide immediate assistance to Ukraine. Democrats have called on Johnson to put the $95 billion package passed by the Senate in February up for a vote, emphasizing the need for swift action to support Ukraine.
Johnson will work to balance the demands of his party with the urgency of providing aid to Ukraine and Israel as tensions continue to escalate in the region. While facing pressure from both sides of the political spectrum, Johnson will need to navigate the complex dynamics within Congress to pass a comprehensive aid package that addresses the needs of Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. allies in the region. The coming days will be critical as Johnson seeks to advance the aid package and address the growing threats faced by Ukraine and Israel.
