On Friday, the US House of Representatives approved a bill to direct aid to Ukraine and other US partners abroad, overcoming a key procedural hurdle called adopt the rule, or “rule” .
As The Hill notes, the fact that Democrats supported this measure — This is a rare move by a minority party, but crucial to moving the package forward in the face of strong opposition within the House of Parliament.
The US Congress took a step towards supporting Ukraine
The House of Representatives approved the “rule” on foreign aid in a 316-94 vote, opening debate on four bills that combine military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with humanitarian aid to Gaza and other global war zones.
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Thus, successful adoption of “rule” precedes the final adoption of all four measures.
The final review of all aid packages, including funding for Ukraine, is expected to begin on Saturday evening (around 20:30 Kyiv time).
US President Joe Biden previously gave the “green light” foreign aid package, the document was also publicly supported by part of the Democrats.
— Friday's bipartisan vote to advance the foreign aid package, as well as Johnson's decision to risk his seat to bring it to the floor, reflect the urgency felt by leaders in both parties as Ukraine faces arms shortages and Israel comes under attack from Iran, & #8212; writes the publication.
More details about how the procedure for voting for support for Ukraine and other US partners will take place in the American Parliament — read on Facts ICTV.
Republicans are against the package
At the same time, The Hill points out that a bipartisan vote would likely put Johnson in an even hotter confrontation with radical Republicans who have been sharply critical of both the speaker and the relief package.
Discontent among radical Republicans is caused by both the very fact of allocating billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine and the lack of security measures for US borders in the bill. In addition, some Republicans reproach their fellow party member Johnson for his tendency to work with Democrats to advance key priorities.
Underscoring these internal contradictions, three Republicans on a House committee voted against the “rule” on Thursday, and 55 Conservatives voted against it when it came to the House floor Friday morning.
— Internal opposition to what has historically been a standard procedural issue has become routine in this Congress as conservatives try to force GOP leaders to fight harder for Republican priorities — dynamics that led to the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy last October, — notes The Hill.
However, as the publication writes, despite the drama in the US parliament, Johnson's position appears to be safe.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a resolution to remove the speaker, but she has not said when she plans to call a vote on it.
Notably, the 45th President of the United States, Republican Donald Trump, endorsed Johnson during a joint appearance at Mar-a-Lago last week, which was a definite vote of confidence from the leader of the Republican Party.
According to The Hill, even if Greene puts Johnson to a vote to remove him as speaker, Democrats will likely step in to save him. A number of Democrats have said in recent months that if the Speaker provides aid to Ukraine, they will protect him from a coup that might be staged by radical Republicans.
