Johnson Unveils Foreign Aid Package Despite Republican Criticism
Summary from the AllSides News Team
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is pushing forward with a foreign aid package despite criticism from his own party.
Details: The $95 billion foreign aid package is separated into multiple bills, in total allocating $26.4 billion for Israel, $60.8 billion for Ukraine, and $8.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the bills on Sunday. President Joe Biden stated he will sign the bills if they reach his desk.
For Context: A handful of House Republicans adamantly oppose the bills, arguing the money should be spent addressing the crisis at the southern border. Johnson’s decision to bring the bills to the floor is sparking speculation that Johnson could face a motion to vacate and potentially be ousted from the speakership. Last month, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-GA) filed such a motion, but she has not yet forced a vote.
Key Quotes: Speaking with reporters about the potential for these bills to cause him to lose the speakership, Johnson said, “My philosophy is you do the right thing and you let the chips fall where they may. If I operated out of fear of a motion to vacate, I would never be able to do my job,” adding, “History judges us for what we do. This is a critical time right now—a critical time on the world stage.”
How the Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum focused on the political stakes of the bills and the turmoil within the Republican Party.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
Johnson hawks $95 billion Israel, Ukraine aid package amid threats to speakership
Speaker Mike Johnson and other House Republican leaders released a $95 billion foreign aid package Wednesday that provides funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan – as Congress continues to grapple with a response to actions taken by Russia, Iran and China that have defied the international community.
The package includes $26.4 billion for Israel aid, including $4 billion to replenish Israel's Iron Dome defense system, $60.8 billion for Ukraine aid, including $23 billion for replenishing weapons and $8.1 billion for Indo-Pacific aid.
Johnson, who is facing a small revolt within...
From the Center
Mike Johnson Gives Impassioned Ukraine Speech as He Defies MAGA
Speaker Mike Johnson said he will "take personal risk" by pushing ahead with his plans for a House vote on foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, as fellow Republican representatives continue to call for him to vacate the chair.
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on sending additional aid to Ukraine and Israel on Saturday as part of the $95 billion military funding. The package is divided into four bills, the third issuing funding for Taiwan. The fourth includes sanctions on Russia, China and Iran as well...
From the Right
House GOP Unveils Foreign Aid Bills, Expects Final Vote Over Weekend
House Republicans revealed on Wednesday details about a trio of bills to provide foreign aid to U.S. allies and a plan to vote on the legislation by the weekend.
One bill aims to provide $26 billion with a stated focus on supporting Israel in its defensive effort and reimbursing U.S. military operations in response to recent attacks. Humanitarian aid, a key priority for Democrats, was included in the legislation.
A second bill would give nearly $61 billion toward the Ukraine-Russia conflict and provide assistance to regional partners. Around a third of...
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