Democrats Back Johnson’s Aid Package Amid GOP Resistance

In a significant legislative maneuver, the House successfully navigated past a wave of right-wing dissent to advance a series of contentious foreign aid bills, a move buoyed by bipartisan support. Led by House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, the legislation garnered an unexpected level of backing from Democratic lawmakers, highlighting the challenges Johnson faces in corralling his factionalized GOP counterparts.

The House greenlit the procedural framework governing the debate on three pivotal bills earmarking $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel, and key partners in the Indo-Pacific region. This pivotal step sets the stage for a formal floor vote, slated to take place as early as Saturday.

Notably, a greater number of Democrats—165 in total—than Republicans—151—endorsed the procedural rules, culminating in a final tally of 316-94 in favor. President Biden has thrown his support behind the legislative package, pledging to sign it into law if it successfully clears the Senate upon its return from recess on April 29.

This crucial vote comes on the heels of a similar showdown in the House Rules Committee the previous day. Despite the resistance from three far-right Republican members—Reps. Tom Massie of Kentucky, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, and Chip Roy of Texas—the committee advanced the legislative package. In an unusual turn of events, the four Democratic members of the committee joined forces with the remaining five Republicans to push the bills forward.

The $95 billion package, unveiled earlier in the week, allocates approximately $26 billion to Israel, $61 billion to Ukraine, and $8 billion to Indo-Pacific allies, including Taiwan. These funding levels mirror a prior foreign aid package passed by the Senate in February, with certain adjustments, such as structuring a portion of Ukraine’s aid as a loan—a nod to former President Donald Trump’s suggestion.

Johnson faced mounting pressure to unveil the package following recent hostilities between Iran and Israel. However, his efforts have been met with staunch opposition from far-right lawmakers within his own party. Leveraging the GOP’s narrow 218-213 majority, these lawmakers have repeatedly stymied legislative progress, pushing their own policy agendas to the forefront.

In addition to the foreign aid provisions, the legislative package may also encompass other measures, such as new border controls and GOP-backed initiatives like a potential TikTok ban and expanded sanctions on Russia, China, and Iran.

Looking ahead, the fate of Johnson’s speakership hangs in the balance as dissenting voices within the GOP threaten to unseat him over his handling of the foreign aid packages. Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Tom Massie of Kentucky have vowed to introduce a motion to vacate Johnson from his leadership role, a move endorsed by Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona. While Greene initially tabled the measure last month following the approval of the fiscal year 2024 budget, its status as a “privileged” resolution leaves its scheduling uncertain. Nonetheless, several Democrats have signaled their intent to support Johnson, should the motion come to a floor vote.

In response to the brewing turmoil, Johnson remains steadfast in his commitment to fulfilling his duties as House Speaker. “I do not spend time walking around thinking about the motion to vacate. I have a job to do here. I’m going to do the job,” he affirmed to reporters. Regardless of the personal consequences, Johnson emphasized his dedication to his role and pledged to abide by the decision of his fellow members.