Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is plowing ahead with his plan to send aid to embattled U.S. allies — including Ukraine — despite sharp criticism from conservatives in his caucus.
Johnson informed GOP lawmakers in a text message Wednesday morning that he will “soon” release the legislative text for three bills that would send assistance to Ukraine, Israel and allies in the Indo-Pacific. That legislation, he said, will include a loan structure for aid and enhanced strategy and accountability.
Later on Wednesday, Johnson said he plans to unveil text for a fourth bill that includes other national security priorities including a TikTok ban, a provision to help pay for aid by using seized Russian assets, sanctions and other measures to confront Russia, China and Iran.
Those four measures will move under one procedural rule that will allow for an amendment process, Johnson said.
But in a twist from the Speaker’s initial plan, the outline of which he unveiled Monday night, the Speaker said he will move a border security measure separate from the foreign aid bills — a decision that is meant to appease conservatives who were up in arms that the priority was initially excluded. That measure includes “core components” from H.R. 2, the border security bill House Republicans approved last year.
The cadre of bills are all part of Johnson’s plan for moving foreign aid through the House, a process that has been delayed for months amid other pressing priorities and stalled this week as his proposal faced intense backlash from the right flank.
Johnson said he is eyeing a Saturday evening vote on the legislation.
“By posting text of these bills as soon as they are completed, we will ensure time for a robust amendment process. We expect the vote on final passage on these bills to be on Saturday evening. Thank you all for your feedback and support. I value every Member of this conference and look forward to continuing our work together,” he wrote in the text message to lawmakers.
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