Last December, House Speaker Mike Johnson firmly committed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: “he will do everything to support Ukraine.” According to Zelensky, Johnson stressed he was “on our side” and praised the “heroic” efforts of Ukraine’s soldiers and civilians.
But now, despite his earlier assurances, Johnson needs to do more to bring a $60 billion aid package to a vote. His obstructionism flies in the face of his December pledge of steadfast support.
In a meeting last week with President Biden, Johnson doubled down on demands to prioritize border security first, just weeks after promising Zelensky he would do everything he could to help.
Johnson's reversal has confounded Zelensky. “We will see” if Johnson's commitments translate into action, he conceded today. But as Speaker, the next move belongs to Johnson.
The aid package enjoys widespread bipartisan support. But only Johnson can decide whether to schedule a vote before year's end or allow the bill to die and go back on his word to an embattled Zelensky.
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