Mike Johnson, US House Speaker, has proposed a controversial plan to handle the $95 billion aid package by voting separately for aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, diverging from the Senate’s consolidated vote approach amid increasing global tensions.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson has outlined a strategy to distribute aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, despite facing opposition within his own party and pressure from the Senate to accept a previously passed aid package. Johnson proposes breaking down the $95 billion package into separate votes for each country, a move that deviates from the Senate’s consolidated approach.
The proposal comes amid heightened global tensions, including Iran’s recent attack on Israel and ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. In response to these events, President Joe Biden and others have urged Congress to act swiftly. Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, have criticized Johnson’s delay, likening the urgency to pre-World War II conditions.
Further complicating matters, Johnson’s plan not only aims to address the allotments of foreign aid but also suggests increasing sanctions against Iran. Despite internal divisions among Republicans regarding the extent of support for Ukraine, Johnson intends to fund Ukrainian aid through seized Russian assets, a strategy supported by European allies and Ukrainian officials.
As the debate continues, Johnson emphasizes the importance of supporting global allies and protecting American interests. The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the separate bills concerning Ukraine and Israel within the week, while the discourse surrounding the allocation of aid to Taiwan continues.
