On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled his push for an additional $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, attempting to press House Speaker Mike Johnson into allowing a vote on the package in the House. Johnson, displaying reluctance to proceed with funding for the foreign conflict, maintained his stance, asserting that Ukraine funding would not move forward without a substantial commitment to border security.
Schumer aimed to sway Johnson, emphasizing the historical significance of the decision and warning of potential regrets in the future. Schumer insisted that the responsibility now rested in Johnson’s hands, recounting a passionate defense of funding the war during their discussions. The senator drew attention to his visit to Ukraine, describing soldiers with Russian artillery in range but lacking ammunition to retaliate, stressing the urgency of providing arms promptly to prevent Ukraine’s defeat.
In response, Johnson reiterated his consistent position, prioritizing the needs of America. Schumer’s implication that Johnson was the linchpin for Ukraine’s salvation echoed sentiments expressed by national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who, in a CNN interview, underscored a bipartisan majority in the House ready to pass the bill. Sullivan emphasized the critical role of Speaker Johnson, suggesting that history would scrutinize his decision and warning that without the bill, Ukraine would lack the tools necessary to confront Russia, ultimately benefiting Putin. The conservative perspective underscores Johnson’s commitment to prioritizing national needs and securing the border before committing substantial aid to foreign conflicts.