Speaker Johnson Considers Alternative Bill for Ukraine Support in the House – Sky Bulletin

Private discussions have been initiated by U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson with Republican members who are proponents of military assistance to Ukraine, aimed at developing a different foreign aid legislation within the House. This development was reported by CNN on March 3.

The plan put forward by Republicans is expected to come up for a vote around late March or sometime in April.

An earlier $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, which included foreign aid and border policy measures, faced roadblocks imposed by Speaker Johnson after it received bipartisan support in the Senate. For several months now, funding for Ukraine has been stalled, with Republicans in Congress showing resistance to the financial support.

Michael McCaul, the Republican Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is in the process of coordinating discussions to shape a bipartisan amendment to the Senate’s proposal.

McCaul conversed with CNN, saying, “We are currently working on a draft.”

Though Johnson has not officially endorsed the House’s proposed bill nor pledged to present it on the floor for a vote, the Republican leaders managing the negotiations feel confident that he will eventually bring the proposal forward.

Mike Lawler, a Republican representative of New York participating in the negotiations, said, “No, I don’t think he’s trying to kill it.”

He further expressed his perspective by mentioning, “I think he understands the need to get support for Israel, for Ukraine, for Taiwan. … It’s a function of process and working through these issues within the conference.”

The proposal from the House is anticipated to designate $66 billion to be distributed among Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Notably, this proposal does not encompass humanitarian aid and will introduce more stringent limitations on immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. This includes an absolute prohibition on the admission of asylum seekers until “operational control of the border” is achieved by the U.S.

Additionally, immigrants would be mandated to stay in Mexico or their home countries while their asylum requests are under process.

Even if the alternative bill reaches the floor, it’s probable that it will face opposition from both political aisles. The stringent border measures, absence of humanitarian aid, and financial backing for Israel amidst its bombardment on Gaza are likely to deter Democrats who might have supported the Ukraine aid.

Conversely, staunch Republicans who align with former U.S. President Donald Trump are generally against supplying Ukraine with military aid.

Chip Roy, a House Republican and Trump supporter voiced against Ukraine aid, conveyed to CNN that he doesn’t believe Johnson should back the bill, yet admits it could still move forward.

Roy concluded, “The defense hawks usually get their way. And that’s just the way this town works,” insinuating the prevailing influence of defense advocates in Congress.