Latest US politics news from The Economist: Congress approves aid bill

The House of Representatives passed an American aid package worth $95 billion, with $61 billion allocated for Ukraine. The aid package, proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, is expected to become law soon, with immediate effects. While Democratic lawmakers supported the plan, Republicans initially sought stricter measures to limit immigration in exchange for aid to Ukraine. However, Johnson emphasized the importance of sending aid to Ukraine, stating that he would rather send bullets than American troops.

In response to Johnson’s actions, some Democratic congressmen pledged their support for him if Republicans attempt to remove him from his position. Congressman Ro Khanna of California stated that Johnson deserves to serve until the end of his term. On the other hand, Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Russophile Republican, indicated her intention to proceed with a motion to oust Johnson regardless of his decisions.

Meanwhile, opening arguments are set to begin in Donald Trump’s hush-money trial in New York, with the judge expecting the trial to last about six weeks. The trial, focusing on low-level felony charges, aims to address allegations of election interference. In a separate development, Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, voted to join the United Auto Workers, marking a significant win for unions in the historically anti-union South.

Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running a third-party presidential campaign, secured a spot on the ballot in Michigan, a critical swing state. The move comes after Michigan’s top election officials confirmed his nomination by the Natural Law Party. Kennedy’s inclusion on the ballot eliminates the need to gather thousands of signatures.