House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced a package of bills that will provide military aid to Ukraine and Israel, replenish American weapons systems and provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. But in the midst of a divided Congress, he has asked for Democrats' support in reaching a deal.
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives
“We know the world is watching how we respond. They are watching to see whether the United States will defend its allies and our own interests around the world. And we will.”
US aid has been delayed amid objections from the more conservative wing over a bipartisan $95 billion bill passed by the Senate in February, including $14 billion for Israel and $60 billion for Ukraine. Three of Johnson's four proposed bills would cover Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific.
But this decision by Johnson could cost him his job. Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene threatens to push for his impeachment.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican representative of Georgia
“Now he's telling the United States and Republican voters that he's going to put $60 billion into Ukraine, supposedly broken down to make it more attractive somehow, one funding for Taiwan and one funding for Israel.”
Democratic President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he strongly supports Republican Mike Johnson's proposal to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the House of Representatives to approve military aid to Ukraine.
Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State.
“At this time, it is urgent that all friends and supporters of Ukraine maximize their efforts to provide Ukraine with what it needs to continue to defend itself effectively against this Russian aggression, and in particular for the United States. “Now we expect it to come to the House this weekend.”
The main difference between the two packages is that the House package includes more than $9 billion in economic assistance to Ukraine in the form of “forgivable loans.” The bill passed in the Senate does not seek any reimbursement.
