Two years after Russia's brutal and unprovoked invasion, Ukraine continues to bravely defend its territory but has withdrawn its forces from a key city under attack and lacks weapons and ammunition. But due to partisan gridlock in Washington – and the malign influence of Donald J. Trump – a proposal for tens of billions of dollars in additional aid remains stalled. President Biden has rightly accused House Republicans of “walking away from the threat of Russia.”
Earlier this month, the Senate voted 70-29 to approve a bill that would provide Ukraine with an additional $60.1 billion. It also includes $14.1 billion to help Israel in its fight against Hamas and nearly $10 billion for humanitarian aid for Palestinians and other civilians trapped in war zones. If a vote were held on the Senate bill, there is a good chance the House would pass it.
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has not yet agreed to hold a vote on the aid package, citing the Republican mantra that desperately needed aid to Ukraine must be tied to the restrictions on migration at the southern border of the United States. “House Republicans were very clear from the beginning of the discussions that any so-called supplemental national security legislation must recognize that national security begins at our own border,” Johnson huffed.
Never mind that a bipartisan group of senators, with the support of the White House, introduced a compromise bill that would have done exactly that, only to face opposition from Senate Republicans and Trump. Before the compromise text was finalized, the former president and likely Republican nominee boasted: “I don't think we should make a border deal, at all, unless we get EVERYTHING we need to stop the INVASION of millions and millions of people. Many from unknown places, to our once great, but soon to be great again, country!” Johnson similarly objected that the compromise proposal contained “insufficient border provisions.”
Johnson has reportedly sought to meet with Biden to discuss funding Ukraine and Israel, and the president is open to that discussion. Some House members are also pushing for a separate measure that would be less generous in aid to Ukraine. But time is of the essence. The bill passed by the Senate provides an appropriate level of new funding for Ukraine. The House should vote on it quickly.
The fact that he hasn't is a reflection of a larger problem in the Republican-controlled (and we use the term “controlled” loosely) House. Because the party's majority is so narrow, a small group of extremists has exerted disproportionate influence, including in the successful effort to unseat former President Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy launched (and Johnson backed the formalization of) a baseless impeachment inquiry into Biden that has become an embarrassment to the party.
The dysfunction of House Republicans reflects Trump's regrettable influence. His isolationist “America First” foreign policy approach dovetails perfectly with opposition to more aid for Ukraine. Trump recently suggested that any aid to Ukraine be in the form of a loan, because “never again should we give money without hope of repayment or without 'strings'.” Of course, there is already a “reward” for the United States and its NATO allies with Ukraine's brave resistance to Russian aggression. If Vladimir Putin is frustrated in his attempt to subjugate Ukraine, he will be less likely to threaten neighboring NATO countries.
To be fair, opposition to new aid for Ukraine is not entirely a result of Trump's influence. Even some Americans who want the best for Ukraine and recognize the immorality of Russian aggression may wonder whether it is realistic to expect a complete Ukrainian victory, even with continued help from Western nations.
As the fighting drags on, the idea of a negotiated settlement becomes more attractive. In fact, it is possible that the war could end through negotiations with concessions from Ukraine, such as autonomy for pro-Russian inhabitants in the eastern part of the country. But, as Biden has persuasively argued, strengthening Ukraine on the battlefield puts it in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table.
Biden recently expressed this point in poignant terms: “Look, the Ukrainian people have fought so bravely and heroically,” he told reporters. “They have put a lot at stake. And the idea that now that they are running out of ammunition, we should leave, seems absurd to me. I find it unethical. “I find it simply contrary to everything we are as a country.”
Johnson should stop dithering and schedule a vote.
