House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) strongly criticized House Democrats on Saturday for their display of Ukraine flags on the House floor following a vote to allocate military aid to Ukraine. This move by Democrats came amidst calls from some Republicans, including Johnson, to prioritize funding for border security measures before approving foreign aid spending.
The House held separate votes on various aid proposals, including $60 billion for Ukraine, approximately $17 billion for Israel, $9 billion for humanitarian aid, and $8 billion to support Taiwan. Additionally, a bill addressing the potential ban of TikTok if it remains under Chinese control was also passed. The sight of Ukraine flags being waved and Democrats chanting “Ukraine!” drew sharp criticism from many Republicans, including Johnson.
Addressing the media after the passage of the spending package, Johnson expressed his concerns about the current global situation, emphasizing that America’s primary foreign adversaries—Russia, China, and Iran—pose significant threats to prosperity and security worldwide. He stressed the importance of American leadership in addressing these threats and highlighted the potential devastating consequences if the U.S. were to turn its back on these challenges.
Regarding the aid legislation, Johnson pointed out that it includes measures for greater accountability over Ukraine aid, outlines an endgame strategy for the Ukraine conflict, and incorporates a loan instrument for this foreign aid along with the REPO Act to ensure Russian assets contribute to the costs. He emphasized the need for prudent use and oversight of taxpayer dollars, especially during times of international conflict.
In his remarks, Johnson reiterated a military adage about prioritizing sending ammunition over sending troops into conflict zones. He framed the decision to approve aid as crucial in protecting American troops while fulfilling international obligations. Johnson expressed confidence that the Senate would similarly prioritize national security and responsible foreign policy in their decision-making process.