Turbulent Speaker Dilemma Casts Doubt on Aid to Ukraine and Israel's Future
Amidst ongoing speaker drama, House Republicans raise concerns about the fate of the administration's $105 billion security supplemental request for aid to Ukraine, Israel, the southern border, and Taiwan Uncertainty looms over future assistance as the search for a speaker continues
As the search for a speaker continues, certain House Republicans are already expressing uncertainty regarding the fate of the administration's $105 billion security supplemental request for aid to Ukraine, Israel, the southern border, and Taiwan. This significant matter is one that any future speaker will need to address.
Numerous Republican members in the House have explicitly stated that the administration's request will not pass in their chamber without modifications. Furthermore, many House Republicans have already emphasized that additional funding for border security alone is insufficient. They insist on a policy overhaul, which could potentially be a non-negotiable position for numerous Senate Democrats.
Rep. Chip Roy of Texas expressed strong opposition to the supplemental request on X: "This is absolutely unacceptable. No member of the House GOP should lend their support to it. It lacks logic, is not adequately funded, lacks effectiveness, and poses serious risks." Meanwhile, some Republicans who backed specific aspects of the request criticized the administration for linking funding for Israel with funding for Ukraine, given Ukraine's declining support in recent months.
"Israel deserves to have an exclusive discussion dedicated to their current situation," stated Republican Representative Mike Garcia of California, who is involved in defense appropriations, during an interview with CNN. "We should remove the funding allocated for Ukraine and ensure that Israeli partners receive the deserving respect."
Even those who have previously supported Ukraine aid and have committed to continuing their support want to comprehend the rationale behind the administration's substantial funding request.
"It appears to be a substantial amount," expressed Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska. "I would appreciate a breakdown of the specific needs. Although I want to offer my support, it does seem like a significant sum of money."
Although there is widespread bipartisan support for Ukraine, providing funding for their military efforts has become a contentious issue among conservatives. This matter is expected to present challenges for a future speaker, much like it did for former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The administration's request includes over $60 billion in assistance for Ukraine and more than $14 billion for Israel. It is likely that the funding for Israel will be swiftly approved in the House, while the future speaker may opt to separate these requests and have them voted on individually.
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The predicament that any future speaker will face is the division within the Republican conference regarding the provision of additional aid to Ukraine. On one side, the hardliners have criticized McCarthy for backing the country early in the war, while McCarthy himself has publicly shown no commitment towards introducing a future aid package. However, there are certain members who view supporting Ukraine as an indispensable matter.
"I stand in favor of both Ukraine and Israel. I believe we should assist both," expressed Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. "We should employ whichever strategy is most effective in securing success for both nations. I don't want to prioritize one over the other. I endorse both."
Up until now, the attention on the supplemental request has been overshadowed by the disorganized pursuit of a House speaker. However, it is likely to gain prominence soon as the Senate is gearing up to swiftly address the request. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has expressed his strong desire to promptly consider the supplemental request.
Schumer stated that the legislation holds significant importance and should not be delayed due to chaos in the House. Senate Democrats aim to promptly address the request and hope that Republican colleagues will join them in approving the essential funding. The Senate Appropriations Committee has scheduled a hearing on October 31 to examine the request. Testimonies from Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, advocating for the necessity of the funding, are anticipated during the hearing.
But the House cannot begin to consider the legislation on the floor in any form until a speaker is selected.
