Defiant Speaker Mike Johnson Rejects Calls to Resign Amid Proposed U.S. Aid Package
Rising Tensions Within GOP
House Speaker Mike Johnson, in the face of mounting Republican anger, refused to step aside following his proposed U.S. aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies. Johnson, defiantly declaring himself a “wartime speaker,” vowed to push forward with the national security aid package, even if it meant relying on Democrats for support. Speaking to fellow House Republicans, Johnson dismissed calls for his resignation as “absurd” and “not helpful.”
Sharp Shift in House Republicans’ Tone
At a crucial moment, both House Republicans and Speaker Johnson displayed a definitive shift in tone. Emboldened by a recent show of support from former President Donald Trump, Johnson reiterated the importance of ensuring Trump’s reelection as he dealt with his ongoing criminal trial. Johnson’s aim was to garner the necessary votes to pass the stalling national security aid for Israel, Ukraine, and other allies.
Crafting a Complex Legislative Path
Johnson engaged in discussions with President Joe Biden, as well as other congressional leaders, to organize the emerging U.S. aid package. He planned to pursue separate votes for each section, including Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region. The White House maintained a cautiously optimistic stance, with national security spokesman John Kirby stating the proposal appeared to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region.
A Desperate Need for Bipartisanship
Johnson’s strategy involves garnering bipartisan support from different factions within the House to pass the aid package. Additionally, a fourth measure is being prepared, allowing Republican-preferred national security priorities to be included, such as seizing Russian assets in U.S. banks to fund Ukraine. Democratic leaders cautiously withheld their comments until the release of the plan’s details, which were expected later in the day.
In the Midst of Divided Opinions
While Democratic support is needed to pass certain aspects of the aid package, their support for Israel has wavered due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. On the other hand, House Republicans expressed outrage that Johnson prioritized aid to Ukraine, Israel, and other allies over border security. Rep. Debbie Lesko described the morning meeting as an “argument fest,” and tensions within the GOP are hampering progress.
A Threat to Johnson’s Leadership
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch Trump ally, has filed a motion to oust Speaker Johnson, with support from Rep. Thomas Massie. Johnson remains unfazed, presenting the predicament to lawmakers as a “binary” choice. He warned that if his package is not passed, Democrats will force a vote on their preferred package, potentially leaving the additional Republican priorities unaddressed.
Key Republican Support Emerges
In a display of party unity, five Republican committee chairmen voiced their support for Johnson. Reps. Tom Cole, Ken Calvert, Mike Rogers, Michael McCaul, and Mike Turner stressed the importance of passing the aid package swiftly to protect national security interests. With Ukraine facing increasing difficulty in battling Russia’s invasion, lawmakers aimed to highlight that aid would primarily benefit U.S. defense manufacturers.
Progress and Opposing Demands
Despite facing dissent within the GOP, Johnson remains committed to advancing his aid package. As the House debates its passage, President Zelenskyy of Ukraine acknowledged the potential for “allied action” in response to Iran’s attack on Israel. Democrats demand that the $9 billion in humanitarian aid, included in the Senate’s package for Gaza, not be reduced in the House’s plan, keeping the aid inflow intact.
Conclusion
The support or opposition to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposed U.S. aid package remains divided within the GOP. The uncertain week ahead looms with critical votes, and the path to securing the aid package alongside the desired Republican priorities remains cloudy. As the global political landscape shifts, the implications for U.S. national security and the fate of aid to Ukraine, Israel, and other overseas allies hang in the balance.
Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim, Farnoush Amiri, and Stephen Groves contributed to this report.
