Johnson signals path for Ukraine aid following White House congressional meeting

Congressional leaders from both parties voiced optimism Wednesday about reaching a deal on Ukraine aid and securing the southern border following President Joe Biden’s meeting with the “Big Four” at the White House, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) indicating there may be a path forward on a deal.

Biden met with Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and a host of other lawmakers on Wednesday as negotiators continue to try to reach a deal on Biden’s supplemental request and a government funding bill ahead of the month’s-end deadline.

Johnson and Schumer delivered statements to reporters following the meeting, with Schumer estimating the chances of keeping the government open and funding the president’s supplemental request at “a little greater than half.”