House Republicans faced a critical juncture late Thursday night as they navigated the complex process of advancing a long-stalled foreign aid bill for Ukraine and Israel. In a surprising turn of events, the GOP had to rely on Democratic votes to move the plan forward, highlighting deep divisions within the party.
The 9-to-3 vote in the Rules Committee marked an early victory for Speaker Mike Johnson, who faced backlash from far-right Republicans over his push to advance the $95 billion aid package. The dissenting members on the panel initially threatened to derail the bill, but Democrats stepped in to save it, breaking with tradition to support the legislation.
The upcoming House floor vote is expected to be another test of party unity, with Democrats likely providing the necessary votes to pass the rule and bring the aid package to the floor. The rule, crucial to Johnson’s strategy, would allow separate votes on aid to Israel and Ukraine before combining them into a single bill.
The clash within the GOP reflects broader tensions over priorities, with some lawmakers pushing for stricter border security measures over foreign aid. The rebellion by far-right members on the Rules panel underscored the challenges Johnson faces in navigating internal divisions.
Despite the hurdles, Johnson remains optimistic about the bill’s prospects, aiming for a House vote on Saturday. In a statement to Newsmax, he emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine to deter Russian aggression, framing the aid package as a strategic move to prevent further conflict.
As the House prepares for a crucial vote, the fate of the foreign aid bill hangs in the balance, with bipartisan cooperation proving essential to overcoming internal discord and advancing a key piece of legislation.
