The U.S. House of Representatives took a major step forward on Friday by advancing a bipartisan aid package totaling USD 95 billion for Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific allies. This procedural vote, spearheaded by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, marks a crucial moment in prioritizing international assistance despite opposition from a vocal minority of Republicans hesitant to provide further aid to Kyiv.
Johnson demonstrated leadership by disregarding threats of removal from hardline members within his 218-213 majority coalition. Despite internal discord, he propelled the measure forward, allocating approximately USD 61 billion for Ukraine to aid in its ongoing struggle against the Russian invasion, which has persisted for over two years. With clear support by both the Democrats and the majority of the Republicans (316-94 in a procedural vote), Congress is very likely to finally pass those bills on Saturday.
The differences
The four-bill package encompasses not only provisions for Ukraine but also security aid for Israel, Taiwan, and Indo-Pacific allies. Additionally, it incorporates measures such as sanctions, the potential banning of the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, and the consideration of transferring seized Russian assets to Ukraine.
Although the USD 95.3 billion spending measure is identical to the amount the Senate approved in February, it includes a few changes meant to appease some conservative House members.
The legislation allocates USD 60.84 billion to address the conflict in Ukraine, but USD 23 billion was designated to replenish U.S. weapons, stocks, and facilities. Additionally, it earmarks USD 26 billion for Israel, including USD 9.1 billion for humanitarian needs, and USD 8.12 billion for the Indo-Pacific region.
The most significant difference is that the House bill offers Ukraine more than USD 9 billion in "forgivable loans." There was no such provision requesting repayment in the Senate bill. “It’s not the perfect legislation, it’s not the legislation that we would write if Republicans were in charge of both the House, the Senate, and the White House. This is the best possible product that we can get under these circumstances to take care of these really important obligations,” Johnson told reporters on Friday.
The differences
The four-bill package encompasses not only provisions for Ukraine but also security aid for Israel, Taiwan, and Indo-Pacific allies. Additionally, it incorporates measures such as sanctions, the potential banning of the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, and the consideration of transferring seized Russian assets to Ukraine.
Although the USD 95.3 billion spending measure is identical to the amount the Senate approved in February, it includes a few changes meant to appease some conservative House members.
The legislation allocates USD 60.84 billion to address the conflict in Ukraine, but USD 23 billion was designated to replenish U.S. weapons, stocks, and facilities. Additionally, it earmarks USD 26 billion for Israel, including USD 9.1 billion for humanitarian needs, and USD 8.12 billion for the Indo-Pacific region.
The most significant difference is that the House bill offers Ukraine more than USD 9 billion in "forgivable loans." There was no such provision requesting repayment in the Senate bill. “It’s not the perfect legislation, it’s not the legislation that we would write if Republicans were in charge of both the House, the Senate, and the White House. This is the best possible product that we can get under these circumstances to take care of these really important obligations,” Johnson told reporters on Friday.
Should the House pass the measures, as expected, the four bills will go to the Senate as a whole package. If approved by the Senate, President Joe Biden, a staunch supporter of foreign aid bills, will sign it into law.
Change in stance
For the past two months, leaders from both sides of the aisle, including Democratic President Joe Biden and top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell, have been urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to prioritize bringing the aid bill up for a vote. Yet, the vocal opposition from hardline Republicans deterred him from taking a decisive stance.
Observers note that Johnson’s stance gradually evolved, leading him to ultimately advance the bills. This shift coincided with the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. Additionally, Johnson gained deeper insights into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, thanks to increased access to intelligence reports since assuming the role of House Speaker.
Critical voices
Following Johnson's choice to advance the bills, hardline Republicans have continuously raised the specter of ousting him from his position. Johnson assumed the role of Speaker in October, succeeding his predecessor Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted by party hardliners.
Representative Bob Good, chair of the hardline House Freedom Caucus, told reporters on Friday that the bills represent a “slide down into the abyss of greater fiscal crisis and America-last policies.”
Presidential candidates approve
The White House backed Johnson’s decision saying on Friday that “passing this legislation would send a powerful message about the strength of American leadership at a pivotal moment. The Administration urges both chambers of the Congress to quickly send this supplemental funding package to the President’s desk.”
Moreover, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who wields significant influence within the party, expressed his support for Johnson on April 12. In a recent social media post, he emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s survival for the United States.
Change in stance
For the past two months, leaders from both sides of the aisle, including Democratic President Joe Biden and top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell, have been urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to prioritize bringing the aid bill up for a vote. Yet, the vocal opposition from hardline Republicans deterred him from taking a decisive stance.
Observers note that Johnson’s stance gradually evolved, leading him to ultimately advance the bills. This shift coincided with the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. Additionally, Johnson gained deeper insights into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, thanks to increased access to intelligence reports since assuming the role of House Speaker.
Critical voices
Following Johnson's choice to advance the bills, hardline Republicans have continuously raised the specter of ousting him from his position. Johnson assumed the role of Speaker in October, succeeding his predecessor Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted by party hardliners.
Representative Bob Good, chair of the hardline House Freedom Caucus, told reporters on Friday that the bills represent a “slide down into the abyss of greater fiscal crisis and America-last policies.”
Presidential candidates approve
The White House backed Johnson’s decision saying on Friday that “passing this legislation would send a powerful message about the strength of American leadership at a pivotal moment. The Administration urges both chambers of the Congress to quickly send this supplemental funding package to the President’s desk.”
Moreover, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who wields significant influence within the party, expressed his support for Johnson on April 12. In a recent social media post, he emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s survival for the United States.
Source: PAP, Reuters, The Guardian
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