House Democrats Consider Using Discharge Petition to Move Forward with Aid Bill

Senior House Democrats are considering using a discharge petition to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson if he declines to introduce the $95 billion overseas aid bill that was approved by a 70-29 vote in the Senate on Tuesday.

Johnson, R-La., has not indicated whether he will bring the bill up for a House vote. On Monday, he mentioned that the legislation, which provides aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, does not address illegal immigration, which he considers to be the most pressing issue facing the country, as per Newsweek.

If a discharge petition is supported by 218 House members, including at least four Republicans, the Senate bill could be voted on just like any other legislation, which likely won’t happen before the end of this month.

The Senate’s bill includes $60 billion of military aid for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, $8 billion for Taiwan, and less than $10 billion in wider humanitarian assistance, including in Gaza.

Johnson stated on Monday that House Republicans were clear that any national security supplemental legislation must address border security. Without any border policy changes from the Senate, he said the House will have to continue working on these important matters independently.

Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif., tweeted that if Johnson refuses to bring the aid package to the floor, he is prepared to sign a discharge petition to get the job done. He emphasized the importance of delivering critical security assistance to partners and humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mentioned on CNN that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has not ruled out using a discharge petition as a parliamentary maneuver to try and bring the bill to the floor.

In addition, pro-Ukraine conservatives have also called for a discharge petition, including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who tweeted that it’s time for a discharge petition or for three Republicans to vote against every rule until Johnson agrees. He stressed the need to fight fire with fire.