Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) has voiced concerns regarding the $95 billion Senate bill aimed at funding the Ukraine War. He warns that it contains what he calls an “impeachment time bomb” directed at former President Donald Trump, particularly if he secures reelection in November. Vance urged his Republican colleagues to reject the bill, emphasizing the potentially damaging implications it holds.
In a message posted on X, Vance pointed out a clause buried within the bill, which he believes could trigger impeachment proceedings against Trump in a hypothetical second term.
He highlighted that the funding allocated for Ukraine is set to extend until September 30, 2025, which coincides with a significant portion of a potential second term for Trump. This funding, Vance noted, mirrors the accounts for which Trump faced impeachment in December 2019.
Republican aide pushes back from the other wing wing of the party
"A standard period of availability for appropriations is not an impeachment kill switch for a future president or whatever conspiracy theory is being floated at the last minute" https://t.co/ZjQYRrqoee
— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) February 12, 2024
Vance recalled the circumstances surrounding Trump’s impeachment, citing claims by individuals such as then-Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and his brother, then-Army Col. Eugene Vindman.
They alleged that Trump had halted aid to Ukraine in exchange for information on then-Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden’s Ukrainian business dealings. Despite unanimous opposition from House Republicans, Trump was ultimately acquitted by the Senate.
The senator also highlighted Trump’s commitment to swiftly resolving the conflict in Ukraine, potentially conflicting with the bill’s provision for ongoing aid to the region. Vance warned that any attempt by Trump to alter or halt aid, even in pursuit of peaceful resolution, could be weaponized by partisan opponents to justify impeachment.
I just sent the below memo to every one of my Republican colleagues in Congress.
Buried in the bill’s text is an impeachment time bomb for the next Trump presidency if he tries to stop funding the war in Ukraine.
We must vote against this disastrous bill. pic.twitter.com/uKqet9s0xd
— JD Vance (@JDVance) February 12, 2024
Citing reports from sources such as The Washington Post, Vance suggested that elements within the Biden administration were seeking to constrain Trump’s foreign policy options, with impeachment as a fallback strategy. He urged Republicans to reject the bill, characterizing it as an effort by entrenched interests to undermine Trump’s administration.
Former Trump Acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell echoed Vance’s sentiments, calling for the removal of what he described as a “secret set of handcuffs” from the bill or outright rejection.
The Senate is scheduled to vote on the bill, requiring a 60-vote majority for passage.