Speaker Johnson: Ukraine Aid Will Advance When Congress Reconvenes

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) declared on Sunday that the controversial aid package for Ukraine will be acted on when Congress returns to Washington.

Speaking on Fox News’ “Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy,” the embattled speaker said the massive U.S. handout to Kyiv will proceed. “But it’s going to, I think, have some important innovations.”

Both chambers of Congress are in their second week of recess with most back in their home districts. The House reconvenes on Tuesday, April 9, with a full plate of items to address that includes sending more billions for Ukraine’s fight with Russia.

Johnson told the outlet that he is working to construct a consensus on further aid to Kyiv. He explained that it will be decidedly different from previous offerings to the war torn nation.

Republicans under Johnson’s leadership torpedoed a massive $118 billion package that earmarked funds for Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel. GOP representatives rejected the proposal for its weakness on border security — an explosive issue far closer to voters than these other nations.

Johnson explained that lawmakers are attempting to use their leverage to secure the southern border and thwart the illegal migrant invasion. He said the American people well know that President Joe Biden has the authority to rein in the border chaos, but “he’s not using it.”

But Johnson has issues closer to home that he must face, including an uprising from some conservative Republicans. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) filed a motion to oust the Speaker in a similar manner that befell his predecessor.

Many are upset with a compromise with Democrats and the White House over a $1.2 trillion spending package. And strange bedfellows are forming on Capitol Hill.

Democrats recently voiced support for possibly protecting Johnson from a coup from within his own party ranks. This would ensure his support for yet more Ukraine aid — possibly without ties to greatly strengthening border security.

Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) told The Hill, “If the choice is between Ukraine aid and providing a vote to stop a motion to vacate, or no Ukraine aid, I think there’s a lot of Democrats who would be willing to assist in getting it done.”