Rep. Mike Lawler, a moderate Republican from New York, is optimistic about a potential vote on funding for Ukraine’s war effort in the House when members return from recess early next month. Lawler, along with co-sponsors Democratic Rep. Jared Golden and Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, is pushing for a discharge petition to allow for a vote on their bill, which includes funding for Ukraine and border security.
Lawler emphasized the importance of supporting US allies and upholding democracy across the globe. He has spoken directly with House Speaker Mike Johnson about the discharge petition effort and is hopeful that the bill will be brought to the floor for a vote.
However, the issue of funding for Ukraine poses a difficult challenge for Johnson, as some far-right Republicans oppose providing aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. This opposition could potentially lead to a vote for Johnson’s removal, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene filing a motion to vacate before the Easter recess.
Lawler criticized Greene’s effort to oust Johnson, calling it “idiotic” and stating that it undermines the House Republican majority. Democrats have indicated they may support Johnson if he moves a Ukraine aid bill they can get behind, but they do not support including new border restrictions as Lawler has suggested.
The debate over combining foreign aid with border provisions has been ongoing, with Senate Republicans blocking a major bipartisan deal last month. Despite this, the Senate passed a standalone foreign aid bill with assistance for Ukraine and Israel. Johnson had previously left the door open for House Republicans to craft a package with foreign aid and border restrictions, which could be brought up after finalizing a deal to fund the government.
Overall, the issue of funding for Ukraine remains a contentious and complex issue within the House GOP, with potential implications for Speaker Johnson’s leadership.