House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing increased criticism from fellow Republicans, including North Carolina Representative Patrick McHenry, over his inability to pass a Ukraine aid bill.
Ukraine Bill: A GOP Priority?
McHenry, who temporarily held the speaker’s position after Kevin McCarthy was ousted last year, expressed his concerns on CNN last Sunday. He urged Johnson to prioritize passing the bill, suggesting doubts about his leadership capabilities.
Call for a Decisive Vote
“My hope is that my Republican leadership will make the right decision, put it on the floor for a vote, and when they do that, it will pass, and it will pass by a wide majority,” McHenry stated.
Tough Questions on Ukraine Aid
When CNN’s chief congressional correspondent Manu Raju questioned him about signing a discharge petition, McHenry responded, “I have not seen one presented, Manu. I have not seen one presented.”
House vs Senate
This comment comes amid a legislative impasse over a $95 billion aid package, which has been stalled in the House after Speaker Mike Johnson sent members home for a two-week recess without a vote, despite Senate approval last week.
Breaking Down the $95 Billion Aid
This package allocates $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, and $4.83 billion for allies in the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, it includes $9.15 billion for humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
GOP’s Mixed Feelings
Johnson’s opposition stems from the package’s lack of border security funding, a growing concern at the U.S.-Mexico border. This sentiment is echoed by other Republicans, including Donald Trump, who have reservations about the spending levels in the proposed bill.
Commitment to Bipartisanship
In a recent interview on ‘The Cats Roundtable’ with John Catsimatidis on WABC 770 AM, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) reiterated his commitment to work with House Speaker Mike Johnson on key issues, including extending government funding past March 2.
Ready for Bipartisan Work
Jeffries expressed, “My view from the very beginning of this Congress is that, as House Democrats, we are ready, we’re willing, we’re able, to find bipartisan common ground on any issue, at anytime, anyplace, in order to make life better, for the American people, to address issues related to the economy, public safety, national security.”
Common Ground
“And we should always be willing to do that, and so, Mike Johnson and I speak regularly, try to figure out, ‘Where are those places of commonality?’” he continued.
Senate Frustration
In a pointed statement, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his frustration with the Senate’s lack of action on border policy, stating, “[In] the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters.America deserves better than the Senate’s status quo.”
218 Votes: The Magic Number
House Democrats have initiated legislation that could trigger a discharge petition, potentially bypassing House Speaker Mike Johnson’s approval to bring the aid bill to a vote.
Such a petition would need the backing of 218 House members.
10 House Republicans in Spotlight
The Republican campaign group ‘Republicans for Ukraine’ launched a significant digital ad campaign targeting 10 House Republicans who might support this petition.
Challenges Ahead
Rep. Patrick McHenry, set to retire soon, has openly critiqued Johnson’s handling of the situation. Speaking to CBS, he commented on the challenges Johnson faces, emphasizing the importance of leadership in getting significant deals done.
McHenry also expressed his desire for Johnson to step up, as he told CNN, ‘It is time to get on with the deal.’
Republican Missed Opportunity?
In a recent opinion piece for The Hill, C. Stewart Verdery Jr., a former Homeland Security assistant secretary under George W. Bush, voiced his perspective on the Republican Party’s missed opportunity with the immigration bill.
Potential Regret
In the article titled ‘History confirms Republicans rejected a once-in-a-lifetime immigration opportunity,’ Verdery Jr. argues that Republicans will regret not passing the bill, citing the rarity of such an opportunity.
Political Impasse Risks Shutdown
Looking ahead, the ongoing political impasse poses a risk of a government shutdown in early March unless Congress approves the necessary budgets or opts for a continuing resolution to extend the deadline for budget passage.
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