Is the Republican blockade ending?
New hope for a multi-billion dollar package for Ukraine that is vital to survival
April 2, 2024, 12:26 p.m
Listen to article
This audio version was artificially generated. More info | Send feedback
For months, Ukraine has been worried about a billion-dollar aid package that has been stuck in the US House of Representatives. Both President Zelensky and many experts believe it is vital for Kiev’s continued defense capability. An interview by Republican Mike Johnson is now raising new hopes.
A few days ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj issued an urgent warning about the Republicans’ blockage of billions in US military aid. Without the aid package, the Ukrainian armed forces would have to “retreat step by step,” he told the Washington Post. However, Kiev may be able to hope that things will move soon. This is indicated by new statements from Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
The aid package still has to be passed in parliament. But because of resistance from his fellow Republicans, Johnson has not yet put it to a vote. But that could possibly change soon. He told Fox News: “When we return after this period of work, we will advance a product, but it will contain some important innovations.” The House of Representatives is currently in recess, so members are working in their home regions and will not return to Washington until April 9th.
So far, what has been known from the ranks of the Republicans has been the demand to tie aid to Ukraine to stricter measures on the Mexican border. “We are still trying to force the president to use his executive authority,” Johnson said, referring to Joe Biden. In addition, he also highlighted three other aspects in the Fox interview.
Republicans want end to liquefied natural gas moratorium
Johnson is considering measures to liquidate confiscated Russian assets and provide them as aid to Ukraine. The second point he brings into play is a loan. This could, for example, be repaid after a victory in the war against Russia. The final point Johnson makes is ending the moratorium on new permits for liquefied natural gas export facilities.
“We want to unleash American energy. We want gas exports that will help end Vladimir Putin’s war effort,” Johnson said. Critics say that with its moratorium, which was based on climate protection concerns, the Biden administration gave Russia too much leeway in the market, which is pouring a lot of money into the Kremlin’s war chest.
However, Johnson still has to be prepared for headwinds when it comes to finding compromises. His current main opponent, strident Trump supporter Taylor-Greene, who recently called for a vote to oust Johnson, claimed on Platform against the will of 70 percent of the American people. Worse, he will suspend the rules to pass it.” Fox News told Johnson he and Taylor-Greene would speak this week.