Dems urged to assist Speaker Johnson in bringing Ukraine Aid Vote to the Floor

House Speaker Mike Johnson is in a position where he will need the support of the chamber’s Democrats, particularly party leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., to bring an aid bill for Ukraine to the floor for debate. This puts Democrats in a position of power over the measure, further frustrating Republicans calling for a vote to remove Johnson from his seat.

According to The New York Times, Johnson will require the Democrats’ votes to pass the legislation, including on the procedural motion to bring the legislation to the floor, which is an unusual expectation. 

In recent years, House Republicans have been blocking routine rule votes, unlike the previous practice of party members agreeing to bring a bill to the floor even if they didn’t intend to approve it. Turning to the Democrats for help would mark the second time in two years that a Republican speaker has had to rely on the opposing party, giving Democrats significant influence over potential changes to the bill and the structure of the aid package.

Additionally, Johnson may need Democratic support to secure his seat, as GOP representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky are nearing a vote to oust him. Massie remarked, “We’re steering toward everything Chuck Schumer wants,” indicating concern among Republicans.

While Republicans have not released the text of aid bills for Israel, Ukraine, and other allies, Democrats are already outlining their demands. Jeffries stated that he will not support a package with less than $9 billion in humanitarian aid, as included in the Senate’s national security bill, while some House Republicans are advocating for military spending-only aid for Ukraine.

Democrats are wary of potential Republican amendments, including those related to immigration policies from the previous administration. Rep. Tom Cole anticipates that humanitarian aid will be incorporated into the final legislation.

Democrats recall how then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy turned to Democrats to bring up the debt ceiling bill negotiated with President Joe Biden last year, resulting in a failed attempt to oust him by Republicans. Despite these challenges, Democrats are optimistic about advancing a bill for aid to Ukraine.