The House of Representatives has taken a significant step forward in approving U.S. funding for Ukraine and Israel, following a bipartisan vote that signals a thaw in months-long partisan gridlock.
A Pivotal Vote for U.S. Foreign Aid
In a move that has been praised by the White House, the House voted 316-94 to tee up votes on four separate bills that include aid for Ukraine, Israel, Indo-Pacific security, and a provision to potentially ban TikTok in the U.S. These measures would be packaged together and sent to the Democratic-controlled Senate for consideration.
Speaker’s Balancing Act
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has faced opposition from right-wing members, received crucial support from Democrats in moving forward with the votes. More Democrats (165) than Republicans (151) voted to pass the procedural step that set up the final votes.
The Importance of Foreign Aid
These foreign aid measures closely align with the billion national security package proposed by President Joe Biden. The Senate may need to pass a revised version of the package due to some differences with the one it previously approved.
“Passing this legislation would send a powerful message about the strength of American leadership at a pivotal moment,” the White House stated in its endorsement of the House package.
Conservative Opposition and Democratic Rescue
Despite the bipartisan vote, some conservative House members continue to oppose additional aid to Ukraine. Speaker Johnson has explained that he needs Democratic support because he does not have sufficient Republican votes to advance the legislation alone.
“The Senate won’t advance our legislation and the president won’t sign it… I have a handful of my Republicans, at least, who will not advance a rule to bring that to the floor to combine it with the Ukraine and Israel funding. They won’t do it,” Johnson said.
TikTok on the Chopping Block
The fourth bill includes a provision that would force TikTok’s parent company ByteDance to sell off the popular social media app within nine months or face a ban in the U.S. This provision has the support of both Senate and Biden administration officials, bringing TikTok closer than ever to a potential prohibition.
Democrats’ Role: Horsework, Not Horseplay
Democrats have hailed their role in moving the legislation forward, despite being in the minority.
“We may be in the minority in the House right now, but @RepJeffries is essentially functioning as the real Speaker already. Rs couldn’t get their own bills out of the committee they control so Ds had to help them. Work horses not just show horses,” said Rep. Grace Meng.
Data sourced from: cnbc.com
