Speaker Mike Johnson stands firm on Ukraine aid bill amidst hardliner pressure

Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed on Wednesday that he will proceed with his plan to present several foreign aid bills, including support for Ukraine, despite opposition from hardliners.

In a message to members, Johnson mentioned that the vote on these bills will take place on Saturday evening.

The speaker is under increasing pressure to make changes to the foreign aid package that was proposed earlier this week. This pressure is not only coming from the most conservative members of the House Freedom caucus, but also from other members.

During Tuesday's caucus meeting, conservative House Freedom caucus members raised concerns about border security and the foreign aid bills. These concerns have now spread to other members of the caucus.

Moderate New York Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis urged the speaker to go back to Biden & Schumer and request a border security measure to be included in the foreign aid package. Johnson, in his letter to members, stated that he will introduce an immigration bill similar to the House's HR 2.

The intense pressure on Speaker Johnson regarding his future has reached a peak. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky recently announced his support for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's motion to vacate, which could potentially remove Johnson from his position as speaker. In response, Johnson confidently stated to reporters that he has no intention of resigning.

Given the slim majority held by Republicans in the House, Johnson may have to rely on support from Democrats to pass foreign aid bills. This collaboration could be crucial in securing his position as speaker if the motion to vacate is brought to the floor.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming vote on foreign aid bills in the House of Representatives has sparked heated debate and intense pressure on Speaker Mike Johnson. While Johnson remains determined to proceed with the bills, the opposition from hardliners within the House Freedom Caucus and other members is escalating. The concerns raised by these members center around border security and the need for a comprehensive approach to foreign aid.

In response to the pressure, Johnson has indicated that he will introduce an immigration bill similar to the House's HR 2. However, it remains to be seen whether this will appease the concerns of his detractors. The motion to vacate, which could potentially remove Johnson from his position as speaker, adds further uncertainty to the situation. The outcome of the vote and the fate of Johnson's speakership will depend on the support he can garner from both Republicans and Democrats, as the House Republicans hold a slim majority. This breaking story highlights the complex political dynamics and challenges facing Speaker Johnson as he navigates the complexities of foreign aid and border security.