In a recent development, tensions have reached a boiling point within the House Republican conference, as reports emerged of a heated exchange involving Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL). The incident occurred during discussions over a financial aid package for Ukraine and aid for Israel, according to NBC News.

It was revealed that a group of Republicans approached House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to voice their concerns about prioritizing aid for Israel before Ukraine. Johnson had proposed separate aid requests for both countries, amounting to approximately $100 billion in foreign assistance. However, this move faced backlash within his conference, with Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) expressing support for a motion to vacate.

During a "heated" exchange on Thursday, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) reportedly threatened to bring a motion to vacate against Johnson. This incident involved Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), and others, as initially reported. Nevertheless, it later became clear that the derogatory remark, calling Gaetz "tubby," was directed at him. Despite conflicting reports, Van Orden admitted to using the insult, explaining that Gaetz had referred to him as a "squish."

Subsequent reports confirmed that Van Orden confronted Johnson, getting in his "face" during the exchange, as two sources revealed. Adding to the complexity of the situation, CNN later verified this account of events. Van Orden defended his actions by asserting his commitment to supporting Johnson when joining the group of Republicans.

In light of the evolving nature of this story, it is crucial to note that the initial version of the report inaccurately referred to Johnson as the target of the "tubby" insult. The article has been updated to reflect additional information from credible sources.

The intensifying tensions within the House Republican conference underscore the ongoing dispute surrounding the aid packages for Ukraine and Israel. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these divisions will ultimately be resolved and how they may impact future legislative decisions.