Johnson is making progress on the Foreign Aid Bill, setting the stage for a weekend vote.

Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a tough battle within his own party as he pushes for a vote on a foreign aid package for Israel and Ukraine. Despite strong opposition from Republicans who are against sending more aid to Ukraine, Johnson announced that the House would vote on Saturday evening on the long-stalled national security spending package for U.S. allies.

The legislative package proposed by Johnson includes aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other American allies, as well as measures popular among Republicans such as conditioning Ukraine aid as a loan and a potential nationwide TikTok ban. The package has been structured to garner just enough support from Democrats and mainstream Republicans to pass, despite opposition from both the hard right and left-wing Democrats.

Johnson’s decision to advance the aid package has sparked backlash within his party, with some Republicans calling for his ouster. He has had to navigate the schedules of lawmakers eager to leave Washington for fundraisers and delegation trips abroad to ensure enough attendance for the votes on Saturday evening.

The success of the legislative package will depend on Democrats providing the necessary votes, as some Republicans have vowed to block it in protest. Representative Bob Good of Virginia, chairman of the Freedom Caucus, urged conservative lawmakers to vote against the package, citing concerns about borrowing for foreign aid without addressing border security.

Johnson’s ability to navigate these challenges and secure passage of the aid package will be a test of his leadership and ability to unite a divided party.