House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul commended House Speaker Mike Johnson for his courage in bringing crucial foreign aid legislation to the House floor. McCaul praised Johnson for putting the nation’s interests above his own and ensuring support for allies like Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. The passage of a $95 billion foreign aid package in four separate bills will be compiled into one amendment and sent to the Senate for a vote on Tuesday.
A small group of hardline Republicans, led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, criticized Johnson for relying on Democrats to pass foreign aid and other priorities, leading to efforts to oust him from House leadership. McCaul recounted how Johnson, a devout Christian, prayed as he grappled with the decision to bring the aid package to the floor, ultimately choosing to do what he believed was best for the country. With Ukraine on the brink of falling, Johnson faced immense pressure to act.
McCaul explained that many House Republicans voted against supplemental aid to Ukraine due to a perceived trade-off between support for the US southern border and Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of global perceptions and the need to stand with Ukraine in its fight against Russia. McCaul used historical analogies, likening the choice between aid for Ukraine and border security to that of Chamberlain or Churchill during World War II.
Despite the successful passage of the aid bills under Johnson’s leadership, the far-right wing of the party may still attempt to oust him from the speakership, potentially causing chaos in the House. McCaul expressed confidence in Johnson’s leadership, stating that the speaker had gained respect from both sides of the aisle. Johnson’s job may be in jeopardy, but McCaul believed that his stock had risen following the passage of the aid bills.
Former President Donald Trump has previously opposed aid to Ukraine and suggested encouraging Russian aggression against NATO members who do not contribute enough financially. However, he has not publicly commented on the aid package passed by the House. McCaul suggested that Trump is seeking to provide a lifeline to Ukraine to negotiate and save it once he returns to office. Despite potential challenges ahead, the passage of the aid bills marks a significant step in supporting allies and addressing critical global issues.
