US Speaker Mike Johnson may pay political price for Ukraine deal
Bipartisan Support for Foreign Aid Bill
"He expressed satisfaction with the bipartisan support in the House today, emphasizing its significance in advancing our nation's security agenda and demonstrating the strength of American leadership globally," he remarked.
Presidential Approval Expected
It's anticipated that the president will finalize the approval of the aid within this week, as the Senate is likely to endorse the House's foreign aid package, encompassing allocations for Israel and Taiwan, as soon as Tuesday.
US Speaker Mike Johnson may pay political price for Ukraine deal https://t.co/RtQiC1gbxD
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) April 20, 2024
Source: Twitter/BBC News
Encouragement for Speaker Johnson
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson can find encouragement in the outcome as well. His shift in stance on supporting Ukraine, transitioning from hesitancy to active endorsement, played a pivotal role in securing approval for the foreign aid package.
Just a week ago, he garnered support from Donald Trump, who, in the past, has expressed reservations about providing additional aid to Ukraine.
Trump's potential interference could have posed significant challenges for Johnson during the aid approval process in the House.
However, Trump chose to remain largely silent, directing his attention towards his ongoing trial in New York City.
Potential Political Consequences
However, Mr. Johnson could still face political consequences for Saturday's accomplishment.
He heavily relied on Democratic support not only during the final votes but also to overcome procedural obstacles leading up to those votes.
Republican Opposition and Democratic Support
The necessity to turn to Democrats arose due to strong opposition among a few Republicans, including some holding influential positions in the House, who adamantly opposed providing any new aid to Ukraine. Consequently, these Republicans may push for a vote to remove Mr. Johnson from his position as Speaker.
Defense from Speaker Johnson
Following the passage of the foreign aid bill, Mr. Johnson addressed the press, defending his decisions and stating that he was not preoccupied with concerns about being ousted from power as he navigated the halls of Congress.
Opposition and Support
Although no formal action was taken on Saturday to initiate his removal, three Republicans have called for Mr. Johnson's dismissal, asserting that more will join their cause in the coming days as the House enters a week-long recess.
Division in Public Opinion
Recent public opinion surveys indicate a growing dissatisfaction among Republican voters regarding additional aid to Ukraine, contrasting with the support from Democrats and independents for American assistance in the conflict.
Uncertain Political Future
Should his Republican detractors take further action, Mr. Johnson may discover that his previous allies from across the aisle are less inclined to offer him support.
Celebrating a Hard-Won Victory
However, at present, Mr. Johnson can relish in a hard-won triumph. His approach dividing the aid package into separate components for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, and confronting Republican opponents who openly opposed him largely unfolded according to plan.
For a lawmaker who remained relatively unknown until a leadership turmoil last October propelled him into prominence, this marks a significant milestone.
However, the upcoming weeks will dictate whether this accomplishment will define his political legacy.
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