BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – Speaker Mike Johnson faces international criticism over his handling of Ukraine aid, as pressure mounts for a critical decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his rookie speakership and Ukraine’s ongoing war effort against Russia. Johnson has resisted calls to bring a Senate-passed aid package up for a quick vote, citing the need for Democratic support and concerns from his right flank. The legislation includes over $60 billion in assistance for Ukraine, but Johnson has privately indicated there is “no rush” to address the issue.
The stakes of the debate became even more pronounced over the weekend, as global leaders gathered at the annual Munich Security Conference and news broke of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny’s death in prison. This, coupled with Ukraine’s setback against Russian forces, has injected a sense of urgency for Congress to act as the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaches.
Johnson faces resistance from some House Republicans, who are deeply opposed to additional Ukraine aid. Furthermore, former President Donald Trump has inserted himself into the debate, urging Republicans to oppose Ukraine funding and continuing to criticize NATO. Amid fresh warnings about the direness of the situation, it remains unclear where Johnson stands in the midst of competing factions within his party.
The pressure on Johnson has revealed frustration over his approach to his speakership. Some lawmakers have criticized his lack of decisive action, emphasizing the need for a clear plan. With the fate of Ukraine aid resting largely in Johnson’s hands, there is ongoing internal debate about potential solutions, including structuring the funding as a loan or finding ways to offset the bill’s cost. President Joe Biden has also criticized Johnson’s inaction, while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has demanded that House Republicans pass a foreign aid bill, warning that Putin “is watching.”
As the debate unfolds, some lawmakers have taken matters into their own hands, introducing a bipartisan foreign aid package. However, there is also talk among Democrats about using a discharge petition to force a floor vote on an aid package, though the procedural tool is seen as tricky and time-consuming.
Overall, Johnson’s handling of the situation has drawn widespread attention and criticism, both from within his party and from global leaders. The urgency of providing support to Ukraine, passed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote in the Senate, underscores the gravity of the situation. As the pressure on Johnson intensifies, the fate of Ukraine aid and its implications for international relations hang in the balance.