House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is taking an unprecedented path to move forward with new billions of borrowed money for the Ukrainian government. By collaborating with Democrats to pass a foreign aid package, Johnson is facing sharp criticism from the America First wing of the GOP. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers and voters await a statement from President Donald Trump on the matter.
Late Thursday night, the House Rules Committee, traditionally a stronghold of the majority party’s agenda, passed a procedural rule to bring a substantial foreign aid package to the floor. This rule, crucial for advancing $95 billion in assistance to Ukraine and Israel, among others, only passed due to Democrat support, as conservative Republicans on the committee stood firm in opposition. The vote tallied at 9-3, with Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY), Chip Roy (R-TX) and Ralph Norman (R-SC) voting against it.
Massie accused Johnson of siding with Democrats and compromising on critical conservative values. “Is he working for Democrats or Republicans now?” Massie questioned, signaling a deep rift within the party.
The U.S. House is now officially in an alternate universe where the Speaker shares procedural power with Democrats.
It’s unfortunate our Speaker has chosen this route. Just to maintain control of the floor, he will need to rely on dozens of democrats tomorrow. https://t.co/BKpJjABFCY
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) April 19, 2024
Meanwhile, Johnson attempted to frame the situation as a binary choice to either capitulate to Democrats or send Americans directly into the Eastern European battlefield. “I’d rather send bullets to Ukraine than American boys,” he said in an interview with Newsmax.
The legislative package includes considerable funds: $26.38 billion for Israel, $60.84 billion for Ukraine, and $8.12 billion for Indo-Pacific allies. It also features a controversial TikTok ban and provisions for using seized Russian assets to aid Ukrainian reconstruction.
Critics from within the party, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), have been vociferous in their opposition. Greene, who recently filed a motion to oust Johnson, likened him to former Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), suggesting he was too willing to compromise with the left. “Mike Johnson = Democrat Speaker,” Greene charged.
Proof that Speaker Johnson is negotiating with AOC and Democrats to give them everything they want.
He’s making a deal with Democrats to save his speakership by changing the threshold on the Motion to Vacate.
Mike Johnson = Democrat Speaker (Nancy Pelosi) https://t.co/CP40QNpjsr
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) April 18, 2024
Johnson argues that his reliance on Democrat votes is a “necessity” in the narrowly divided House. That does nothing to address the concerns of actual voters who place border security and control of illegal immigration far above continued funding for the corrupt Ukraine government on their list of priorities facing the nation.
Border is open
Debt is $34.5 Trillion
We borrow a trillion dollars every 100 days.I can’t vote to proceed onto a $98 billion dollar foreign aid bill with no corresponding budget cuts.
Borrowing money from China to give it to Ukraine does not make America stronger.
I don’t… https://t.co/hI1YjL12w4
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) April 19, 2024
Johnson’s decision this week could serve as a bellwether for future intraparty conflicts as the 2024 election cycle moves forward. As the GOP struggles with its identity and direction, the clash over endless foreign aid and border security will directly impact the presidential and congressional elections. Whether that impact is positive or negative for America First citizens remains to be seen.
