Democrats Save Ukraine Bill in Surprising Vote

House Republicans faced a major hurdle in advancing the long-awaited foreign aid bill for Ukraine and Israel, as they were forced to rely on Democratic votes to move the plan out of a key committee and onto the House floor. The 9-to-3 vote in the Rules Committee highlighted the deep divisions within the Republican Party, with far-right members expressing anger over Speaker Mike Johnson’s strategy to push through the $95 billion aid package.

In a surprising turn of events, three far-right Republicans on the panel initially refused to support the rule needed to bring up the foreign aid bill, putting its fate in jeopardy. However, Democrats stepped in to save the legislation, breaking with tradition to ensure its advancement. This unusual alliance underscored the challenges Speaker Johnson faces in garnering support from his own party.

The upcoming House floor vote is expected to be another test for Democrats, who are likely to provide the votes needed to approve the rule and move the aid package forward. The rule is crucial to Johnson’s plan, as it would allow separate votes on aid to Israel and Ukraine before combining them into a single bill.

The dissent from far-right lawmakers on the Rules panel reflects a larger rift within the Republican Party, with some members prioritizing border security provisions over foreign aid. Despite the internal turmoil, Johnson remains optimistic about passing the aid package, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine to deter Russian aggression.

As the House prepares for a crucial vote on the aid package, the political maneuvering and unexpected alliances highlight the complexities of foreign aid legislation in a deeply divided Congress.