House Speaker Mike Johnson added a border security measure to a foreign aid package Wednesday in a bid to appease disgruntled conservatives, but he hasn’t won them over yet.
Mr. Johnson, who faces a growing threat of removal by his right flank, told lawmakers the House would vote on the package Saturday night, delaying a weeklong recess that was set to begin Friday.
The $95.3 billion package includes three aid bills addressing, separately, Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
Supporting Ukraine aid without linking it to U.S. border security provisions could cost Mr. Johnson his speakership, but he has brushed off the specter of his removal. He said the situation in Ukraine was at a tipping point and the “axis of evil” of Russia, China and Iran are coordinating to push the conflict deep into Europe and in the front yard of NATO allies.
“To put it bluntly, I would rather send bullets to Ukraine than American boys,” said Mr. Johnson, Louisiana Republican.
The Ukraine aid would be provided as a loan, but with provisions allowing for the loan to be canceled.
SEE ALSO: Old fights resurface while lawmakers await foreign aid plan from Speaker Johnson
A fourth bill would allow the use of seized Russian assets for aid, and sanctions for Russia, China and Iran. It also includes the language of a House-passed bill requiring TikTok to divest from China, a proposal that stalled in the Senate.
A fifth, separate bill includes core components of the House GOP’s Secure the Border Act.
Far-right conservatives in the House balked at the new plan, calling the border language “watered down” and demanding it to be attached to Ukraine aid.
Rep. Bob Good, Virginia Republican, called it “a joke.” He argued that the speaker was more worried about Ukraine than the U.S.-Mexico border, issues the speaker previously promised to pair together.
“He certainly doesn’t want to try to use border security because I guess he’s afraid it might mess up Ukraine,” he said.
The Secure the Border Act passed the House but was ignored in the Democrat-led Senate. It would restart construction of the southern border wall and put in place other measures to stem the flow of migrants.
Mr. Johnson’s trio of aid bills would provide about $26.4 billion for Israel, $60.8 billion for Ukraine and $8.1 billion for Taiwan, according to a summary of the legislation.
The Israel aid measure includes $9 billion for humanitarian assistance, which is likely a sweetener aimed at attracting votes from Democrats who are seeking money to address the civilian impact of the war in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis has added to left-wing pressure on President Biden to withdraw support for Israel.
Mr. Biden pledged Wednesday to sign the foreign aid package into law, saying Israel needs help defending itself against new attacks from Iran, and Ukraine must succeed in fending off Russia’s invasion.
“The House must pass the package this week and the Senate should quickly follow,” Mr. Biden said in a statement.
The Ukraine loan includes deadlines for the White House to cancel the debt — with congressional review.
The GOP opposition to the procedural hurdle for the bill package means that Mr. Johnson will have to rely on Democrats — a reality that has added fuel to conservative Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s fury with the speaker and likely escalated her plan to oust him.
But those votes aren’t guaranteed. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, New York Democrat, said Democrats were not yet committed to saving the package from being blocked.
Rep. Chip Roy, Texas Republican, said Mr. Johnson would need Democrats to help pass the package.
“Sure would seem likely and also, frankly, seems kind of pre-baked in that direction,” he said.
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.
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