Former Representative Liz Cheney, a Wyoming Republican, praised House members on Saturday for passing a supplemental funding package for Ukraine, calling it a vote “to stand for freedom.” The $60.8 billion aid bill for Kyiv was passed in a 311-112 vote to help restock Ukraine’s arsenal amid Russia’s invasion that began in February 2022. House Speaker Mike Johnson brought the bill to the floor, despite facing resistance from some Republican lawmakers like Marjorie Taylor Greene. Cheney applauded the vote as a show of support for Ukraine and a defiance against the actions of Putin and his allies.
Cheney, who was previously House Republicans’ third-ranked leader, became a vocal critic of Donald Trump for his actions surrounding the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. She eventually lost her position and the 2022 primary election in Wyoming to Trump-endorsed candidate Harriet Hageman. The aid package is critical as Kyiv’s artillery stocks have begun to dwindle against Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the House vote, predicting dire consequences for both the U.S. and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the importance of standing against Russia’s aggression.
Some Republican lawmakers, including Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Paul Gosar of Arizona, joined Greene’s efforts to oust Johnson following the aid bill’s passage. Greene criticized the House for prioritizing Ukraine over American interests, particularly in border security. Cheney has previously called out Greene’s stance on Russia and Ukraine, warning that such positions play into Putin’s hands. Johnson did bring a U.S.-Mexico border security bill to a floor vote on Saturday, but it failed to garner enough support. He explained the challenges of balancing different priorities and securing votes from the Republican caucus.
In addition to the aid for Ukraine, House members also passed an $8.1 billion aid bill to support U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region and a $26.4 billion package for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, with a significant portion earmarked for humanitarian assistance. These actions reflect the complexity of U.S. foreign policy and the challenges of balancing various global priorities. Cheney’s support for the aid to Ukraine underscores the importance of standing up for freedom and democracy in the face of authoritarian aggression. The ongoing debates and challenges within the Republican Party highlight the broader divisions and tensions within American politics.
