For hardline Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, the issue of support for foreign allies has become more pressing as both Democrats and Republicans begin collecting signatures to bypass House Republican leadership and proceed to votes on bills that would affect funding for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and the US border. protection. .
The measure, started by Democrat Jim McGovern, had collected 180 signatures as of Wednesday evening, and 218 signatures would be needed to get past the House speaker. The national security package promoted by McGovern was approved by a large majority in the Senate a month ago. The package will provide $95.3 billion in aid to foreign democracies. Democrats say the rapid signature collection indicates strong support for Ukraine.
McGovern's initiative gave two Democratic and two Republican representatives ideas of his own They presented their bipartisan petition. This petition would extend funding to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan for one year, but unlike the Democratic proposal, It also includes expanding border security measures under Trump. These measures were key to reducing the flow of migrants at the southern US border and necessary to mobilize Republican support.
As of Wednesday afternoon, fewer than 15 lawmakers had signed on to the bipartisan measure. However, the group continues to negotiate with party leaders and colleagues to craft legislation acceptable to majorities in both parties.
Cover image source: Getty Images
