US-Ukraine aid before vote
Johnson risks falling on his own sword
By Roland Peters, New York
April 17, 2024, 10:36 p.m
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So now: After months of theatrical wrangling, the US House of Representatives will vote on new aid to Ukraine. The Republican in charge, Johnson, is putting his job at risk.
It is not clear what is going on in the background regarding new aid to Ukraine. Nevertheless, the army leadership in Kiev and the soldiers in the trenches could breathe a little easier together at the weekend. On Wednesday morning, the speaker of the US House of Representatives informed lawmakers via text message of his intention to put new military support for Ukraine’s defensive war against Russia to a vote. There are also further legislative projects for foreign aid and measures on the border with Mexico.
Johnson had been saying for months that he wanted to approve new military aid for Ukraine. The cross-party majority was present at all times. There were no obstacles in the Senate either. But Johnson never scheduled the corresponding vote; also due to pressure from the designated Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The draft laws were sent to MPs on Wednesday. They are usually given 72 hours before a vote to consider legislative texts.
The majority in favor of the aid is almost certain. Speaker Mike Johnson had previously publicly enlisted the support of former President Trump in Florida. The Republican presidential candidate-elect said late last week that Johnson was doing a “very good job” under difficult circumstances. Trump also had a message to his party wing, the MAGA Republicans in the Congressional Chamber: “I’m sure Marjorie understands that, she’s a very good friend of mine. And I know she has great respect (for Johnson).” , he said. It was a verbal shot across the bow. What led to Trump’s change of mind is unclear.
Huge influence
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene had threatened to call a vote of no confidence against Johnson if he put the Ukraine aid up for a vote. His predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, had already been driven out of office in this way because he had worked with the Democrats. McCarthy has now even renounced politics. After Trump’s words of support for the speaker, Greene qualified her threat somewhat, but left it in the room.
Because of the Republicans’ extremely narrow majority in the House of Representatives, a few dissenters like Greene have enormous influence. In the end, it would be the Democrats who would decide Johnson’s welfare or woe. If they vote with the MAGA Republicans against the speaker, he would be finished. Political scientist Geoffrey Kabaservice said that he would have “fallen on his own sword” for aid to Ukraine. But Johnson could also be saved by the Democrats.
Johnson is putting his job at risk, but has obviously been preparing for the step for a long time: the speaker is advancing across the board with five legislative projects at the same time. 60 billion US dollars are earmarked for Ukraine, 26 billion US dollars for Israel and humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, and Taiwan is also to be supported in its defense capabilities against China. A fourth law contains further foreign policy measures against Russia, China and Iran; These include a Tiktok ban, the use of confiscated Russian assets for military aid and sanctions. The fifth is intended to secure the border with Mexico against illegal crossings.
“Put into effect immediately”
US President Joe Biden welcomed Johnson’s step forward: “The House of Representatives must pass the package this week and the Senate should follow quickly,” he said. “I will put this into effect immediately to send a message to the world: We stand with our friends and will not allow Iran or Russia to succeed.”
The votes will also overcome the previously successful blockade by the MAGA Republicans, which Trump ordered. The Democrats may have to decide whether Johnson can set up more in the future.