Late Thursday night, the House Rules Committee advanced a package of foreign aid bills despite opposition from some hard-line Republicans. The procedural vote, typically a routine party-line affair, saw Democrats cross party lines to support it, ensuring its passage.
The committee’s rule governs the debate on the legislation, allowing the full House to discuss and vote on three foreign aid bills for Israel, Ukraine, and allies in the Indo-Pacific and a fourth bill encompassing additional national security priorities such as a TikTok ban.
While rule votes usually follow party lines, the opposition from conservatives, particularly regarding Ukraine aid and border security measures, prompted Democrats to back the procedural vote.
Ukraine and Israel Flag (Credits: Reason Magazine)
Under this rule, specific amendments to the Ukraine, Indo-Pacific, and national security measures will be considered, while the Israel bill will not undergo any amendments. Additionally, if the House approves each of the four bills separately, they will be combined into one package and sent to the Senate.
The successful rule votes represent a crucial step forward for the foreign aid package, despite facing criticism from hard-line Republicans since its announcement by Speaker Mike Johnson earlier in the week.
The package includes substantial allocations for Israel, Ukraine, and allies in the Indo-Pacific, alongside provisions addressing national security concerns.
However, the bipartisan support for the rule may further strain relations between Johnson and conservative members of his party, who have expressed frustration over his willingness to collaborate with Democrats.
Ukraine and Israel Flag (Credits: Israel Hayom)
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene even initiated a motion to remove Johnson from his position, akin to the process used against former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
To address concerns from hard-liners, House GOP leadership scheduled a vote on a separate border bill aimed at addressing issues at the southern border.
The bill will be considered under the suspension of rules process, requiring two-thirds support for passage, after initial attempts to move it through regular order faced opposition from conservatives on the Rules Committee.
