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US House Speaker delays Ukraine aid vote until late March or beyond

As US House Speaker Mike Johnson delays the Ukraine aid package, ongoing discussions with House Republicans focus on a new bill, including US-Mexico border restrictions, with potential floor action by late March or April.

byYuri Zoria

04/03/2024

2 minute read

The Congress of the United States. Photo: president.gov.ua

US House Speaker delays Ukraine aid vote until late March or beyond

US House Speaker Mike Johnson, who blocked the Senate’s Ukraine aid package, is discussing a bipartisan aid package with House Republicans, including US-Mexico border restrictions, as House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul is leading efforts for a potential floor action by late March or April, CNN reports.

The aid package has been stalled since last fall due largely to opposition from the far-right Republicans in the US Congress, suspending military assistance that Kyiv badly needs to fight Russia. The Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill, including $60+ billion for Ukraine, last month with bipartisan support, yet Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson made clear he wouldn’t give it a vote on the House floor, stating on 14 February that the House will not feel “rushed” to pass the package.

According to CNN, Johnson has not committed to giving the aid package a floor vote, citing the need to finalize government funding first. However, Republican backers are hopeful he will allow a vote by mid-March, despite potential backlash from hard-right Republicans.

Pennsylvania Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a leader of the effort, noted that he could secure enough Republican backing, claiming “more than you think” will join.

US Republican legislator readies obscure legislative tool to force stalled Ukraine aid to floor

CNN notes that passing the legislation in the House remains challenging due to Republican divisions over Ukraine, potential opposition from former President Donald Trump, and the need for significant Democratic support, especially regarding new border restrictions and aid to Israel.

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