U.S. aid to Ukraine and Israel without border issue: Johnson comments on senators' proposal
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (Photo: Getty Images)
The House of Representatives will consider the proposal from senators for a vote on assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan without tying it to border defense "on their merits," says the spokesperson for the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson.
"We'll see what the Senate does. We're allowing the process to play out and we'll handle it as it is sent over. I've made very clear that you have to address these issues on their merits," Johnson said.
He added that tensions have escalated since the House of Representatives supported aid to Israel as part of a separate package. In his opinion, the initiative should also be approved in the Senate.
"We're waiting for the Senate's actions, and it's frustrating sometimes, but that's the way the process plays out," he added.
Background
Earlier, US President Joe Biden asked Congress to allocate over $100 billion for national security needs. In particular, the White House wanted to allocate over $60 billion to fund new assistance to Ukraine.
However, Republicans refused to support the initiative, as they believe the package lacks the necessary measures to protect American borders.
After that, members of the Republican and Democratic parties began negotiations to find a compromise and adopt the entire package of aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as funding for border protection. However, the parties failed to reach an agreement.
Yesterday, Republicans in the Senate said that aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan should be voted on separately from border protection.
Also today, on February 7, the media reported that Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer would introduce a corresponding initiative for consideration by senators.
