House Speaker Mike Johnson is currently in negotiations with the White House to advance wartime funding for Ukraine and Israel through the House, according to House Republican Leader Steve Scalise. The proposed package would differ from the Senate's $95 billion foreign security package and include various Republican demands. Johnson has been deliberating on the timing to move forward with aid that would supply much-needed ammunition and weaponry for Kyiv.
Scalise mentioned that no agreement has been reached yet, emphasizing the necessity of reaching an agreement not only with the White House but also with House members. Johnson, who faces challenges within the Republican conference regarding support for Ukraine, is also navigating differing views from presidential contenders on the U.S.'s global stance.
Johnson is set to meet with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago to seek his support for the Ukraine funding package. Discussions have also included structuring some of the funding for Kyiv as loans, accessing frozen Russian central bank assets, and other policy changes. Johnson has advocated for the lifting of a pause on Liquefied Natural Gas exports and has at times requested policy adjustments at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Despite facing resistance from some House conservatives, Johnson, with a narrow majority, has had to collaborate with Democrats to advance major legislation. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries suggested that voting on the Senate's national security package could be the way forward and indicated that Democrats might support Johnson retaining the speaker's position if he does so.
While Democrats have urged a vote on the Senate package, there is division among them regarding providing offensive weaponry to Israel during its Gaza campaign. The Biden administration has cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that future U.S. support hinges on implementing measures to safeguard civilians and aid workers promptly.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of passing the Senate's aid package promptly to prevent giving Putin an advantage in Europe. The situation remains fluid as negotiations continue between Johnson, the White House, and various stakeholders.
