House Approves Aid Packages For Ukraine, Israel And Taiwan

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The House of Representatives approved foreign aid packages for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan on Saturday, following heavy resistance from Republicans that included criticism of House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who faced calls for his ouster after championing the legislation.

The House voted 311-112-1 to approve $61 billion in aid for Ukraine, 366-58 for $26 billion in aid for Israel and 385-34 to approve $8 billion in aid for the U.S.’s Indo-Pacific partners, including Taiwan and “other key allies.”

Of these votes, the Ukrainian aid package was the most contentious: Democrats unanimously approved the bill while less than half of Republicans (101) joined in support and one voted present.

Only 21 Republicans voted against the Israel aid package, joining 37 Democrats.

The aid was approved as part of a legislative package that also included a national security bill containing a potential TikTok ban—requiring Chinese parent company ByteDance to divest within nine months—in addition to new sanctions on Russia, China and Iran.

The national security bill also provides $10 billion in aid for Ukraine rebuilding efforts (separate from the $61 billion for military assistance) in the form of loans, a provision suggested by former President Donald Trump, and includes a bill that would transfer frozen Russian assets to help fund Ukraine’s war effort.

President Joe Biden said he would sign the legislative package into law if it passes the Senate, which could vote as early as next week.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Tom Massie, R-Ky., have issued threats to call a motion to oust Johnson over the foreign aid package. Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas, said Saturday while it was a “monumental achievement” for the foreign aid package to reach a vote, a motion to vacate Johnson is “foreseeable.” Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., endorsed the effort this week, while some Democrats have signaled they would vote to save Johnson. Greene introduced a measure last month aimed at potentially ousting Johnson, but she didn’t do so as a “privileged” resolution, meaning there is no time frame for voting on the motion.

KEY BACKGROUND
The House voted Friday to clear a procedural hurdle in passing the foreign aid package, as more Democrats than Republicans voted in favor of rules governing debate. Friday’s vote followed rare approval in the GOP-led House Rules Committee on Thursday, when the committee’s four Democrats voted alongside five Republicans. The legislative package mirrors a similar foreign aid package passed by the Senate in February, though that legislation faced opposition from Trump and other Republicans. After Iran attacked Israel earlier this month, Johnson faced increased pressure to unveil a foreign aid package amid resistance from far-right lawmakers.

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