In an elaborate plan to push aid to Ukraine through the House despite opposition from his own party, Speaker Mike Johnson is relying on House Democrats to provide crucial votes. This tactic would mark the second time in two years that Republican leaders have had to turn to the minority party for support to allow major legislation to be debated and voted on. Democrats hold significant power in determining the fate of the aid package for Ukraine, starting with their votes on a procedural motion to bring the legislation to the floor. If Democrats choose to withhold their votes, the legislation could risk falling apart before even being considered.
As Republican leaders released the text of the aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and other allies, the potential for bipartisan support is still uncertain. Democrats have made their terms clear, insisting on the inclusion of $9 billion in humanitarian aid that was part of a Senate-passed national security bill. They also refused to support a rule that allows Republicans to attach amendments they consider to be “poison pills,” such as hard-line immigration and border security policies. Provisions for humanitarian aid and border security measures were expected to be considered separately from the aid package.
The traditional party-line voting on procedural rules in Congress has given way to a more contentious approach in this session, with rebellious House Republicans leveraging their power to influence legislation. Democrats have also shown a willingness to break with convention on the rule in cases where they believe the stakes are high and the legislation is crucial. Last year, Democrats provided crucial votes on the rule to bring up the debt ceiling bill, aiding the Republican Speaker in passing the measure. Far-right Republicans have been angered by these actions, but ultimately the decisions of Democrats have prevailed.
As Speaker Johnson navigates the politics within his own party while seeking Democratic support for the aid package, he faces a delicate balancing act. Criticizing Democrats for their approach to Israel, Johnson must maintain a delicate balance to secure the votes needed to pass the security package and potentially save his position as speaker. Democrats, on the other hand, are cautiously optimistic about supporting Johnson’s plan for aid to Ukraine, recognizing the political risks of aligning with him. While many Democrats are willing to support the aid package, they are also aware of the potential backlash within the Republican Party.
Despite the challenges and political complexities, Democrats are leaning towards supporting Johnson’s efforts to provide aid to Ukraine and stabilize his position as speaker. While the specifics of the plan are still unknown, many Democrats are open to finding a way to make it work and move forward with aid to Ukraine. The delicate balance between party politics and bipartisanship is a crucial factor in determining the fate of the aid package and Speaker Johnson’s future in the House.
