House Speaker Johnson continues to push for US aid for Ukraine and allies despite Republican revolt

House Speaker Mike Johnson faced a storm of Republican backlash on Tuesday as he stood firm in his push for a U.S. aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies. Despite calls for his resignation and threats of a vote to oust him, Johnson declared, “I am not resigning.”

Describing himself as a “wartime speaker,” Johnson vowed to move forward with the aid package, even if it meant seeking support from Democrats to pass it. This defiant stance marked a significant shift in tone from both House Republicans and the speaker himself.

Johnson’s determination seemed bolstered by recent meetings with former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, as well as other congressional leaders. He outlined a complex strategy to break down the aid package into separate votes for different regions and priorities, aiming to secure bipartisan support for each measure.

However, House Republicans expressed frustration over Johnson’s decision to prioritize the aid package over their top concern of border security. Some members voiced doubts about the feasibility of passing the package as planned, with Rep. Debbie Lesko calling a morning meeting an “argument fest.”

The situation escalated further when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to vacate the speaker from office, a move supported by Rep. Thomas Massie. Greene urged Johnson to announce a resignation date and allow Republicans to elect a new speaker who would prioritize their agenda.

As tensions simmered within the Republican Party, Johnson warned lawmakers of a “binary choice” between supporting his proposed aid package or facing a vote on the Senate-approved measure led by Democrats. The outcome of this high-stakes political standoff remains uncertain as Johnson navigates the delicate balance of party unity and national security priorities.