- The Washington Times - Sunday, March 31, 2024

Rep. Mike Lawler said Sunday that, based on recent conversations with House Speaker Mike Johnson, he believes the House in the coming weeks will vote on legislation that includes money for Ukraine and Israel.

Mr. Lawler, New York Republican, has signed onto a discharge petition led by Democrats to force a vote on a Senate-passed bill, as Mr. Johnson faces the threat of ouster by GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

“I have spoken to him directly. I’m not going to delve into the details of that conversation. But I am confident that he is going to bring a bill to the floor and that we will have a vote,” Mr. Lawler said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “He understands the responsibility that we have.”

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, who like Mr. Lawler is a moderate Republican in a battleground district, said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he has secured a “commitment” from Mr. Johnson and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul that some form of aid will receive a vote in the next two weeks.

Some House Democrats have offered to vote to protect Mr. Johnson’s speakership if he allows Ukraine aid an opportunity to pass.

Congress returns from Easter recess the week of April 8.

“We need to push back. We need to support our allies,” Mr. Lawler said. “If Ukraine were to fall and Russia successful in this endeavor, that would have a catastrophic impact on Eastern Europe.”

• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.