House Democrats Push for Floor Vote on Bipartisan Foreign Aid Bill
Efforts to Bypass Republican Leaders
House Democrats are making a strong push for a floor vote on a bipartisan Senate bill that aims to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. This move comes as House Republican leaders have been resisting pressure to consider the legislation, leading Democrats to resort to a rarely successful legislative maneuver called a discharge petition.
By utilizing a discharge petition, Democrats are attempting to bypass Republican leaders and compel a vote on the Senate bill. To succeed, they will need to collect a total of 218 signatures.
Quick Signatures Accumulated
The discharge petition was launched on Tuesday morning and gained dozens of signatures within a few hours of its announcement, indicating early momentum and support.
Progressives’ Concerns and Republican Factions
While Democrats hold 213 seats in the lower chamber, they will require Republican support for the success of the petition. However, concerns have been raised as some progressives are reluctant to provide their signatures due to the inclusion of aid for Israel. Progressive members of the party have been openly critical of Israel, especially regarding the recent conflict in Gaza.
Democratic Caucus Chairman’s Statement
During his weekly news conference, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar of California urged both Democrats and Republicans to support the discharge petition as a means to promptly address the issue. He emphasized the Senate’s bipartisan supplemental bill as the most effective solution available.
Competing Effort from Republican Representative
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania and co-chair of the moderate and bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, has initiated a competing effort by introducing a smaller bipartisan foreign aid bill. Fitzpatrick’s bill also includes measures related to border security. The discharge petition for Fitzpatrick’s bill became available for signatures a couple of hours after the Democratic petition. Fitzpatrick has clarified that he aims to utilize the discharge petition to create a deadline for addressing the time-sensitive matter.
Representative Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican and co-sponsor of Fitzpatrick’s bill, expressed confidence in its bipartisan support, predicting that around 150 Republicans and 100 Democrats would endorse the bill. Bacon further explained that they would aim to gather the required 218 signatures by engaging in the amendment process.
Key Differences and Urgency for Aid
Chairman Aguilar highlighted that Fitzpatrick’s version lacks humanitarian aid, which is a crucial component of the Senate bill. Moreover, Fitzpatrick’s bill would also need Democratic support and would then proceed to the Senate for approval. This additional step could significantly delay the delivery of the critical aid required by the aforementioned countries.
Appeal from Senate Minority Leader
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed his support for the Senate’s foreign aid bill and called on House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, to allow a vote on the bill in the lower chamber. McConnell urged Speaker Johnson to seek the House majority’s opinion on the supplemental bill that was sent over several weeks ago.
