In a bid to push for a vote on Ukraine aid, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., is preparing a discharge petition as a fail-safe measure if a Republican consensus cannot be reached. The move would force a vote with the support of a simple House majority, bypassing traditional House leadership control over bill selection.

Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, stated that the discharge petition is meant to provide an additional option and escape patch for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is facing a tough political situation. The aim is to get the Ukraine aid bill to the floor, regardless of the internal disagreements among Republicans.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Fitzpatrick emphasized that lives were at stake and the funds needed to be delivered promptly. The bipartisan bill, led by Fitzpatrick earlier this month, sought to provide approximately $66 billion in military-only aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. It also aimed to implement strict border measures similar to the Trump administration's "Remain In Mexico" policy.

Lawmakers from both the House and Senate have been urging Johnson to hold a vote on some form of Ukraine aid, citing the country's recent losses in the conflict with Russia. They argue that supporting Ukraine now is crucial to preventing a wider European conflict and potential direct involvement of the U.S. in a confrontation with Russia.

However, Johnson has yet to clarify his strategy for addressing the Ukraine aid issue, facing pressure from the right flank of his party to withhold any bills related to Ukraine. Fitzpatrick's discharge petition could provide Johnson with an opportunity to navigate this divisive issue and possibly alleviate pressure from GOP hardliners.

To activate the discharge petition, the measure must remain untouched in the House Rules Committee for seven days. Fitzpatrick clarified that this would serve as a pressure point to ensure a backstop is in place if a consensus cannot be reached within the party.

With the current makeup of the House, Fitzpatrick would require the support of 217 lawmakers to sign onto the discharge petition in order for it to make it to the floor. Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y., expressed hope that negotiators are getting closer to an agreement and stated the importance of providing lethal support to Ukraine while also securing the border.

On the other hand, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who serves as the House Freedom Caucus Policy Chair, expressed pessimism regarding the discharge petition.

It remains to be seen if the discharge petition will successfully bring Ukraine aid to the House floor for a vote, but it represents a legislative maneuver aimed at ensuring a decision is made in a timely manner to address the critical situation in Ukraine.