House Votes to Advance Aid to Ukraine and Israel Amid Partisan Opposition

The House of Representatives has voted 316-94 in favor of setting up votes on four separate bills. These bills include aid to Ukraine and Israel, marking a positive step forward in Congress's approval of U.S. funding for both countries. This development comes after several months of delay and partisan conflict.

Speaker Mike Johnson Receives Crucial Support from Democrats

Speaker Mike Johnson faced strong opposition from right-wing members, but ultimately received crucial assistance from Democrats to advance with the votes. Notably, more Democrats (165) than Republicans (151) voted to pass the procedural step, known as the "rule," which sets up the subsequent votes.

The approved move now sets the stage for four expected House votes, including aid packages for Israel and Ukraine, as well as Indo-Pacific security measures and a bill aimed at banning TikTok in the U.S. if it does not divest from its China-based owner. If these measures pass in the House, they will be combined and submitted to the Democratic-controlled Senate for consideration.

The foreign aid measures being considered closely resemble a $95 billion national security package advocated by President Joe Biden. However, due to some discrepancies with the version previously passed in the Senate, it would require another approval from the Senate.

White House Urges Swift Action

The White House budget office issued a statement on Friday endorsing the House package and urging both chambers of Congress to promptly send the supplemental funding package to the President's desk. The administration emphasized the significance of passing this legislation as a demonstration of American leadership during a critical juncture.

Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted the challenges he faces, stating, "We only control one chamber, and I barely have control of that." He explained the inability to include GOP immigration measures in the package due to constraints faced in the Senate and by the President. Additionally, he expressed his determination to do the right thing, irrespective of the obstacles.

Focus on Ukraine and Russia

Speaker Johnson expressed his concerns about the potential implications of not supporting Ukraine, stating, "I think Vladimir Putin would continue to march through Europe if he were allowed. I would rather send bullets to Ukraine than American boys." He emphasized the personal significance of this decision, noting that his son is set to join the Naval Academy this fall.

Democrats' Role and Responsibility

Several Democratic representatives emphasized the vital role of their party in the proceedings. Representative Grace Meng stated, "We may be in the minority in the House right now, but @RepJeffries is essentially functioning as the real Speaker already. Rs couldn't get their own bills out of the committee they control so Ds had to help them. Work horses not just show horses."

Representative Rep. Grace Meng expressed the urgency of supporting Ukraine to fend off Russian aggression, stressing that Democrats are dedicated to ensuring the success of this vital mission.