WASHINGTON — In a defiant stance, House Speaker Mike Johnson reaffirmed his commitment to advancing a U.S. aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other international allies on Tuesday, rebuffing growing discontent among fellow Republicans. Despite facing calls to resign and threats of a potential ousting vote, Johnson remained resolute during a tense meeting with House Republicans at the Capitol.
"I am not resigning," declared Johnson, asserting his role as a "wartime speaker" and dismissing calls for his removal as "absurd" and "not helpful." His determination to proceed with the aid package, aimed at bolstering national security, signals a departure from the preferences of his own party, necessitating cooperation with Democrats for its passage.
The shift in tone from House Republicans and Johnson himself marks a critical juncture as the speaker endeavors to garner support for the stalled aid package, buoyed by a recent meeting with former President Donald Trump, who expressed his backing following discussions at Mar-A-Lago. Johnson emphasized the importance of ensuring Trump's return to the White House during a press conference, underscoring his political alignment.
Engaging in dialogue with President Joe Biden and congressional leaders, Johnson outlined his strategy to advance separate votes on aid provisions for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, followed by a consolidation for presidential approval. This intricate approach diverges from the Senate's $95 billion aid package, necessitating bipartisan consensus across different factions within the House.
While Democrats withhold judgment pending review of the proposed legislation, House Republicans express frustration over the exclusion of border security measures, a top priority for the party. Representative Debbie Lesko characterized the morning meeting as contentious, with doubts emerging regarding Johnson's ability to secure sufficient backing for the package.
Concerns over Johnson's leadership extend to a potential challenge from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has initiated proceedings to remove the speaker from office, reminiscent of past tumultuous transitions within the party. Despite limited support for Greene's initiative, Representative Thomas Massie has echoed calls for Johnson to step aside, invoking precedents from previous leadership transitions.
Amid escalating tensions and diverging priorities, Johnson presents House Republicans with a binary choice: either endorse his proposed aid package or risk a Democratic-led alternative, leaving behind additional Republican objectives. The speaker's steadfast resolve underscores the complexities of navigating bipartisan consensus amid internal discord and external pressures.