Republican Congressman Urges Speaker Johnson to Act on Ukraine Aid or Be Blamed for Potential Loss in Battle Against Russia

ICARO Media Group
Politics
08/04/2024 19h26

In a recent interview on CNN, former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois, raised concerns about the potential consequences Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, could face if the United States fails to provide aid to Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia.

Kinzinger emphasized the importance of Johnson's conscience in this matter, stating that if Ukraine were to lose the fight, Johnson would be remembered as the person who could have made a difference. Though the blame may not be directly placed on him for pulling aid, he would indeed be seen as the one who missed an opportunity to change the outcome.

Highlighting the significance of supporting Ukraine, Kinzinger underscored that the country is not merely receiving assistance from the United States, but is also actively defending itself against a major geopolitical competitor and enemy. As the battle against Russia continues, Kinzinger stressed that providing aid is crucial to maintain the balance of power and protect American interests.

The House of Representatives is set to reconvene this week following a two-week holiday recess. Johnson has committed to passing some form of Ukraine aid upon the chamber's return, but has yet to specify the details of his plan.

However, the Speaker's position faces a potential challenge, as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia filed a motion to vacate the Speaker's chair before the recess. Although Greene's motion was not filed as a privileged resolution, indicating the need for further action to force a vote on Johnson's removal, it serves as an ominous threat to his leadership.

Greene, speaking to The Washington Post, signaled that if Johnson were to pass the proposed $60 billion Ukraine aid package and subsequently support the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), his position as Speaker could be in jeopardy. Greene suggested that such actions would elicit a substantial outcry from numerous Republicans.

While Kinzinger dismissed the likelihood of a successful bid to remove Johnson from his role as Speaker, he urged Johnson to find common ground with Democrats on the issue of Ukraine aid. Kinzinger emphasized Johnson's ability to survive the political challenges he faces either by succumbing to Marjorie Taylor Greene's tactics or by collaborating with Democrats to find a solution.

Kinzinger offered practical suggestions for Johnson, proposing that he return to Congress and put the Senate bill on the floor for consideration. In the alternative, he suggested removing the controversial Israel portion from the legislation and passing it, allowing Johnson to act with a clear conscience and providing Ukrainian forces an opportunity to defeat Russian aggression on the battlefield.

It remains to be seen how Speaker Johnson will navigate the mounting pressure and potential threats to his position. As Congress reconvenes this week, the fate of the Ukraine aid package and Johnson's leadership will certainly be closely watched.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related