In a notable display of bipartisanship, the House voted on Friday to advance a crucial foreign aid package, signaling progress in providing aid to Ukraine and Israel. The move also sets the stage for a final vote, expected as early as Saturday. However, the division between Democrats and Republicans on the issue became apparent, with more Democrats (165) supporting the measure than Republicans (151).

The Democratic support was instrumental in overcoming opposition from Speaker Mike Johnson's right flank. This opposition, fueled by concerns over Johnson's leadership, may intensify as a result. Some Republican members, led by Rep. Thomas Massie, have even co-sponsored a motion to remove Johnson from his position as Speaker, a move fiercely opposed by Johnson himself, who adamantly refused to resign.

Adding to the tensions, the GOP-led House Rules Committee used Democratic support late Thursday night to advance the foreign aid bills. This further angered the conservative members of the party who have been critical of providing additional aid to Ukraine and have threatened Johnson's job as a result.

The division over the foreign aid legislation has ignited a contentious atmosphere on Capitol Hill. The right-wing faction of the GOP has strongly opposed the plan and voiced their grievances over a separate effort to change House rules concerning the speaker removal process. Johnson, however, has stated he will not make such a rule change.

The foreign aid package consists of three bills, allocating aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region. The bill for the Indo-Pacific region aims to deter Chinese aggression in the area. Additionally, a fourth bill includes other House GOP priorities, such as imposing sanctions on Iran, seizing frozen Russian sovereign assets, and potentially implementing a nationwide ban on TikTok.

The combined cost of the three aid bills is approximately $95 billion, matching the amount included in the Senate bill. Notably, $10 billion of the economic assistance allocated to Ukraine is in the form of a repayable loan. These three aid bills resemble the foreign aid legislation passed by the Senate in February, while the fourth House bill differs from the Senate package.

Speaker Johnson indicated during an appearance on Newsmax that a vote on the package is likely to occur early on Saturday, though the exact timing remains uncertain.

If the bills secure passage in the House, they will be merged into a single amendment before being sent to the Senate. However, with the House controlled by Republicans by a narrow margin, Johnson will rely on a significant number of Democrat votes to overcome procedural challenges, particularly given the growing discontent from hardliners concerning border security provisions.

Earlier on Thursday, the House Freedom Caucus, a conservative group, officially urged House Republicans to oppose the procedural vote, citing concerns over border security and referring to the package as the "America Last" foreign wars supplemental package.

As the debate rages on, the fate of the foreign aid package hangs in the balance, involving political wrangling, divided party lines, and a test of leadership for Speaker Mike Johnson.