Sen. J.D. Vance urged House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday to use leverage over the Democrats on Ukraine funding to strengthen southern border security.
The Ohio Republican said failing to include an immigration component with any foreign aid legislation would amount to a “disgrace” and a “massive betrayal” to the party.
“[Congressional Republicans] actually do have leverage, we just have to be willing to actually use it. I think Speaker Johnson is a good guy, but if he brings up a foreign aid package sending billions of dollars to Ukraine without doing anything on the southern border, it will be a disgrace and a massive betrayal, not just to Republican voters but of the entire country,” Mr. Vance said on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo.” “Why would people elect Republicans if Republicans are more focused on the border of another country than the border of our own country?”
Mr. Johnson, Louisiana Republican, has vowed to hold a vote on some form of Ukraine aid amid increasing bipartisan pressure once Congress returns from Easter recess next week.
Senate Republicans, including Mr. Vance, previously rejected a bipartisan foreign aid package that included border security measures because conservatives said it failed to fully address the influx of illegal crossings.
Mr. Vance hoped for “steely resolve” from Mr. Johnson in the coming weeks as the lower chamber tries to approve more Ukraine aid.
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• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.
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