April 20, 2024

House Democrats Propel Ukraine and Israel Aid Bills Forward Amid GOP Opposition

In a significant bipartisan move, the Republican-led House has advanced legislation aimed at providing financial support to Ukraine and other foreign allies, despite objections from some GOP members.

The House voted 316 to 94 to commence discussions on a series of bills focused on military aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian assistance for Gaza. Notably, Democrats played a crucial role in securing the necessary votes to proceed, with 165 in favor and 39 opposed. Republicans were split, with 151 voting in favor and 55 against.

This successful vote on the rule paves the way for the final passage of the bills, which are scheduled for two separate votes on Saturday afternoon.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., sees this bipartisan support as a step closer to passing the contentious foreign aid package. However, some members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus have opposed the bills due to the absence of provisions for border security and Johnson's reliance on Democratic backing.

Johnson acknowledged that while the legislation may not be perfect, it represents the best possible solution given the current circumstances. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling obligations to provide aid to critical allies.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., signaled readiness for Senate action on the measures, and President Joe Biden has pledged to sign the bills into law.

The House Rules Committee, with Democratic support, previously advanced the bills on Thursday evening. The committee's decision, by a vote of 9 to 3, allowed three supplemental appropriation bills for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific, along with a fourth bill containing national security measures, to proceed to the full House.

The combined value of the bills is approximately $95 billion, with a significant portion allocated to Ukraine ($60 billion), Israel ($26 billion), and Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific allies ($8 billion).

While Democrats unanimously supported the rule, some Republican representatives, including Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Chip Roy of Texas, and Ralph Norman of South Carolina, voted against it. They expressed concern over the absence of funding for border security and labeled the bills as "America Last" foreign aid packages.

The pressure on Johnson to address military funding for Ukraine and Israel intensified following recent events, including Iran's attack on Israel and depleting weaponry in Ukraine.

Despite initial resistance from Republicans, the White House has consistently advocated for emergency funding for Ukraine. President Biden underscored his strong support for the aid package, urging swift action from both chambers of Congress.

As the House moves forward with its deliberations, the spotlight remains on the ongoing debate over foreign aid and national security priorities.

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