Are Republicans losing their appetite for the war effort against Russia?


Fifty-seven House Republicans voted this week against the nearly $40 billion aid package for Ukraine, signaling the first cracks in the bipartisan consensus behind Kyiv — and potentially, the limits in the American appetite for helping this foreign country in its war against Russia while there are so many problems at home. Only 10 House Republicans had voted against sending Ukraine military equipment under an updated Lend-Lease Act back in April.
Some cited the baby formula shortage and inflation as domestic concerns that should override deepening involvement in Ukraine's war to repel Russia. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) raised transparency and fiscal responsibility concerns about the speed with which the money was being rammed through. It is the makings of an "America First" argument that could become problematic for repeatedly going back to the well for aid money. The Biden administration had estimated its original request would tide the Ukrainians over for about five months.
Yes, some of the more controversial and cartoonish Republicans are taking the lead here. It looked like Ukraine was going to be a major setback for populists in the GOP after Senate candidate J.D. Vance's seeming nonchalance about the Russian invasion compared to various crises in the United States.
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.
But Vance won his primary. And as Biden shifts from hair-splitting about what would constitute an invasion to a growing involvement in what sure looks like a proxy war with Russia, his hawkishness will become as inviting a target as his dovishness was in the aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Americans mostly support Ukraine against Russian aggression. That is unlikely to change anytime soon. It is, after all, the Russians who invaded, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been masterful in his appeal to a U.S. public that instinctively sides with the Kremlin's victims.
But in a time of scarcity and trouble, that well of support is unlikely bottomless. There are some questions about our Ukraine policy that need to be asked. Don't be surprised if more Republicans in Congress start raising them.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
W. James Antle III is the politics editor of the Washington Examiner, the former editor of The American Conservative, and author of Devouring Freedom: Can Big Government Ever Be Stopped?.
-
Trump uses tariffs to upend Brazil's domestic politics
IN THE SPOTLIGHT By slapping a 50% tariff on Brazil for its criminal investigation into Bolsonaro, the Trump administration is brazenly putting its fingers on the scales of a key foreign election
-
3 questions to ask when deciding whether to repair or replace your broken appliance
the explainer There may be merit to fixing what you already have, but sometimes buying new is even more cost-effective
-
'Trump's authoritarian manipulation of language'
Instant Opinion Vienna has become a 'convenient target for populists' | Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
'The risk to educational media for children has seemingly been lost'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
The Supreme Court and Congress have Planned Parenthood in their crosshairs
Talking Points Trump's budget bill and the court's ruling threaten abortion access
-
How will Trump's megabill affect you?
Today's Big Question Republicans have passed the 'big, beautiful bill' through Congress
-
How successful would Elon Musk's third party be?
Today's Big Question Musk has vowed to start a third party after falling out with Trump
-
The last words and final moments of 40 presidents
The Explainer Some are eloquent quotes worthy of the holders of the highest office in the nation, and others... aren't
-
How Zohran Mamdani's NYC mayoral run will change the Democratic Party
Talking Points The candidate poses a challenge to the party's 'dinosaur wing'
-
Is Trump's military parade 'just a parade'?
Talking Point Critics see an 'echo of authoritarianism'
-
Is Trump's LA troop deployment about order or authoritarianism?
Talking Points President: 'We're going to have troops everywhere.'