GOP Member Claims Johnson Has Vowed to Conduct Ukraine Vote
Any move by Mr. Johnson to bring a vote on such legislation could be met with a forced vote on the motion to vacate.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) says he has secured a commitment from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to hold a vote on supplemental assistance to Ukraine.
Ukraine has been a contentious issue during the 118th Congress, with partisan divides causing disagreements. While some Republicans have advocated for limiting or denying additional aid to Ukraine, Democrats have generally supported providing aid to the country.
These partisan divisions have hindered progress on aid for Ukraine in both chambers of Congress.
Despite potential risks to his speakership, Mr. Johnson appears to be moving forward with efforts to fund Ukraine, as indicated by Rep. Bacon during a recent appearance on “Meet the Press.”
Lawmakers are currently on Easter recess and will not return to Washington until later in April.
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When Congress reconvenes, Rep. Bacon mentioned, “I have a commitment for the speaker and the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee that we’re going to put this on the floor and get a vote.”
Mr. Bacon suggested that the funding may involve a loan component.
This aligns with a previous proposal from former President Donald Trump, where he emphasized the importance of loans with repayment expectations.
Many Republicans supported this proposal, and Mr. Bacon anticipates parts of the legislation will include loan provisions.
Citing past funding challenges for Ukraine, Mr. Bacon stressed the need for a bill that can garner support from both parties and both chambers of Congress.
“I want to ensure that we have Senate support,” Mr. Bacon stated. “This needs to be a bipartisan solution that works in both houses of Congress.”
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) also expressed optimism on CNN’s “State of the Union” about a new funding package for Ukraine receiving a vote upon Congress’s return.
“I believe there will be a vote when we get back from the Easter recess,” he announced.
“This is crucial for our allies,” Mr. Lawler emphasized. “As the leader of the free world, we must uphold and protect democracies worldwide.”
Mr. Lawler has supported a discharge petition on a Ukraine aid bill, a move that could force a vote on the legislation without Speaker Johnson’s backing.
Mr. Lawler refrained from elaborating on his confidence in a potential vote, reiterating, “I am confident that [Johnson] is going to bring a bill to the floor and that we will have a vote. He understands the responsibility that we have.”
Motion to Vacate
Meanwhile, the threat of Mr. Johnson losing the speakership looms over these developments.
Following the passage of a $1.2 trillion funding bill rushed through Congress before the break, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) introduced a motion to vacate the speakership against Mr. Johnson.
While Ms. Greene did not make the measure privileged to force an immediate vote, she labeled it a “pink slip” and a caution to Mr. Johnson, hinting at a potential future vote.
Given Ms. Greene’s opposition to funding Ukraine, any attempt by Mr. Johnson to push for such legislation could trigger a forced vote on the motion to vacate.
This strategy was previously used by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) against then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), resulting in Mr. McCarthy’s removal.
Mr. Lawler dismissed the threat as “idiotic,” believing it would not further Ms. Greene’s goals.
There are indications that Democrats might assist in preserving Mr. Johnson’s position.
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) discussed this during his appearance on “Meet the Press,” expressing willingness to support Mr. Johnson if advised by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
As a result, the effectiveness of Ms. Greene’s move remains uncertain.
Nonetheless, the specter of Ms. Greene’s motion could continue to influence Congress as they reconvene in April.
