US President Joe Biden’s aides have been privately working to ensure that House Speaker Mike Johnson can successfully present a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine for a vote and survive politically. Politico says.
Throughout Congress’s two-week recess, the White House has kept in touch with Johnson’s office regarding aid to Ukraine, two administration officials told Politico. Although President Biden has publicly urged House Republicans to approve the aid package for Ukraine, he and his team have refrained from harshly criticizing Speaker Johnson for the delay in passing it.
Instead, they have provided Johnson with some space to navigate his divided GOP caucus, which has a decreasing majority, Politico says. The specifics of the final package remain unclear. The primary goal is to convince Johnson of the urgency of delivering aid to Ukraine promptly.
Administration officials are privately optimistic that their approach may prompt movement on an aid package later this month, despite frustration with the slow pace in the House, Politico says.
Politico reports that the officials believe the most straightforward path forward is for Johnson to bring the Senate bill to a vote in the House, where bipartisan support is anticipated. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also supports this approach.
Officials argue that amending the Senate bill would only lead to additional delays in delivering aid, given the time required for legislative procedures in both chambers of Congress. However, Johnson emphasizes that the House will need to modify the Senate’s version.
Administration officials are open to Johnson needing political cover to present the Senate’s aid package in the House, possibly requiring a policy win or assurance that using Democratic votes won’t risk his position, Politico says.
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