Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aid
The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus


What happened
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), after months of inaction on a Senate-passed bill to fund Ukraine and Israel, proposed breaking the bill into four parts that would be voted on separately then reassembled for Senate consideration. But that plan was reportedly unraveling Tuesday night amid strident opposition from Republicans opposed to aiding Ukraine, which is enduring heavy bombardment and losing ground to Russia as it awaits Western artillery shells and missile defense.
Who said what
"I am not resigning," Johnson said, dismissing Rep. Thomas Massie's (R-Ky.) "absurd" call for him to step down or face ouster. "Democrats would probably be there" to save Johnson's speakership, especially if he delivers on Ukraine, said Brendan Buck, an adviser to two former GOP House speakers, to NPR. But being a "Republican speaker who has Democrats to thank for your job" is a "very tough place to be" politically.
The commentary
The Senate package "would easily pass the House" and reach President Joe Biden's desk "immediately," and Johnson was "leaning toward" putting it up for a vote before Iran attacked Israel on Saturday, prompting "far-right and anti-Ukraine" Republicans to agitate for Israel-only funding, Josh Rogin said at The Washington Post. Johnson's "complicated and risky gambit" to pass four bills is an attempt to "placate his far-right base" but the Senate should pass it quickly, "if it gets that far."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What next?
As Johnson's proposal falters, pro-Ukraine Republicans are considering forcing a vote on the Senate bill by signing onto a Democratic discharge petition, Axios said.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Book reviews: 'Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream' and 'Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television'
Feature Private equity and the man who created 'I Love Lucy' get their close-ups
-
Can Texas redistricting save the US House for the GOP?
Today's Big Question Trump pushes a 'ruthless' new plan, but it could backfire
-
'No one should be surprised by this cynical strategy'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
SCOTUS greenlights mass DOE firings
Speed Read The Supreme Court will allow the Trump administration to further shrink the Education Department
-
Cuomo announces third-party run for NYC mayor
Speed Read He will go up against progressive Democratic powerhouse Zohran Mamdani and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams
-
Ukraine: Trump's mixed messages
Feature Trump reverses a Pentagon freeze on Patriot missiles to Ukraine as Russia ramps up air attacks
-
Death from above: Drones upend rules of war in Ukraine
Feature The world's militaries are paying close attention to drone use in the Russia-Ukraine war
-
Secret Service 'failures' on Trump shooting
Speed Read Two new reports detail security breakdowns that led to attempts on the president's life
-
Trump set to hit Canada with 35% tariffs
Speed Read The president accused Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of failing to stop the cross-border flow of fentanyl
-
Mahmoud Khalil files $20M claim over ICE detention
Speed Read This is the 'first damages complaint' brought by an individual targeted by the Trump's administration's 'crackdown' on Gaza war protesters
-
Trump threatens Brazil with 50% tariffs
Speed Read He accused Brazil's current president of leading a 'witch hunt' against far-right former leader Jair Bolsonaro