Johnson Signals Shift on Ukraine to GOP Senators
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) informed Republican senators on Wednesday to anticipate the House sending them legislation aimed at aiding Ukraine. However, he cautioned that the House's version would significantly differ from the $95 billion foreign aid package passed by the Senate last month.
Johnson aimed to alleviate the concerns of frustrated GOP senators regarding funding for Ukraine during a question-and-answer session at the annual Senate Republican retreat held at the Library of Congress.
According to senators present during the discussion, Johnson conveyed that the House would forward a Ukraine aid package to the Senate. He proposed the notion of structuring it as a loan or lend-lease program, suggesting that U.S. taxpayers wouldn't be footing tens of billions of dollars without the expectation of a return.
The Speaker also mentioned the potential inclusion of a provision akin to the "REPO for Ukrainians Act," sponsored by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas). This proposal authorizes the confiscation of Russian sovereign assets, with proceeds from liquidated property deposited into a Ukraine support fund.
However, Johnson didn't address whether the aid package might feature stringent border security reforms such as "Remain in Mexico" language, a point likely to face opposition from Senate Democrats.
Johnson's comments came a day after Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) pressed him to bring the Senate-passed package, which funds Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, to the House floor.
While the prospects of a House aid package for Ukraine remain uncertain, Sen. John Cornyn (Texas) expressed optimism, particularly regarding the potential inclusion of provisions to seize Russian assets to assist Ukraine. He noted that seizing Russian assets would be a just approach, ensuring that Russia pays for its actions and aids Ukraine and its allies.
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) echoed Cornyn's sentiment, highlighting Johnson's clear intention to support Ukraine and mentioning ongoing collaboration with the House on a bill that could include a lend-lease program.
Johnson, speaking at the House Republican retreat, emphasized his commitment to advancing a Ukraine aid package. He underscored the importance of preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from seizing control of Ukraine, stressing the need for a united stance against Russian aggression.
However, Johnson cautioned that the House's version of the aid package might not mirror the Senate's supplemental precisely.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), while open to considering various options, expressed concerns about imposing further financial burdens on Ukraine and advocated for swift action to prevent the country from running out of ammunition.
McConnell urged Johnson to permit House members to at least consider the House-passed bill, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
While acknowledging the importance of funding for Ukraine, Johnson emphasized the need to prioritize regular appropriations bills before addressing the emergency foreign aid package.
Despite ongoing disagreements, Johnson expressed confidence in reaching a deal on the appropriations bills and navigating the intricacies of passing legislation with a narrow Republican majority in the House.