House Speaker Johnson Negotiates Wartime Funding for Ukraine and Israel with White House

As House Speaker Mike Johnson prepares to navigate the challenging task of advancing wartime funding for Ukraine and Israel through the House, negotiations are underway with the White House. This comes as top House Republican, Steve Scalise, reveals that Johnson is working on a package that differs from the Senate's $95 billion foreign security package and includes various Republican demands.

The delay in providing aid for Ukraine has been a result of Johnson's efforts to strategically time the advancement of a package that will be a demanding political endeavor. The negotiation process involves discussions not only with the White House but also with Republican members to reach an agreement.

Johnson, facing challenges from within the Republican conference with differing levels of support for Ukraine, is also navigating conflicting stances from two presidential contenders. President Biden has criticized Republicans for not assisting Ukraine, while former President Trump has advocated for a more isolationist approach.

Engagement with Former President Trump

Johnson is scheduled to meet with former President Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, seeking the latter's support or at least aiming to prevent overt opposition to the Ukraine funding package. There have been consultations with Trump in recent weeks on this issue to gain his backing.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin mentioned discussions with Johnson and Trump on advancing Ukraine aid, indicating a potential risk to Johnson’s position as speaker. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has threatened to rally support against Johnson's speakership and sees the advancement of Ukraine funding as a critical factor in her case for a new speaker.

Conversations with the White House include considerations for structuring some of the Ukraine funding as loans, accessing frozen Russian central bank assets, and incorporating other policy changes. Johnson has also advocated for the lifting of a pause on approvals for Liquefied Natural Gas exports and policy adjustments at the U.S. border with Mexico.

Navigating Divisions and Strategy

Amidst resistance from hardline House conservatives, Johnson, with a narrow and divided majority, has been compelled to collaborate with Democrats to advance significant legislation. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has emphasized the necessity of voting on the Senate's national security package as the way forward for the House, hinting at potential support to retain Johnson's speakership if he proceeds accordingly.

While Democrats have urged a vote on the Senate package, divisions may arise regarding aid to Israel, particularly with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Biden administration has cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about future U.S. support, linking it to measures to protect civilians and aid workers.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has urged the House to pass the Senate’s aid package to prevent giving Putin an advantage in Europe, emphasizing the importance of supporting democracy.

These developments highlight the intricate negotiations and political complexities surrounding the advancement of wartime funding for Ukraine and Israel, with implications for international relations and security.