Progressive Rift Threatens House Democrats' Push For $95 Billion Foreign Aid Vote

By Victor Smiroff | Thursday, 15 February 2024 04:30 PM
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Progressive Rift Threatens House Democrats' Push For $95 Billion Foreign Aid Vote

The Democratic Party's efforts to push through a $95 billion foreign aid package, recently approved by the Senate, are being stymied by their own progressive members.

The package, which includes financial aid for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, is facing opposition due to the inclusion of funds for Israel.

Speaker Mike Johnson has been steadfast in his refusal to allow a vote on the bill, leaving the Democrats to rely on a discharge petition as their last resort to pass the legislation. However, the petition requires 218 signatures to force a vote in the House, a number that would necessitate some Republicans to cross party lines.

Among the Democrats opposing the bill is Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, who cited the funding for Israel in its conflict with the Iranian-backed Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas as her reason for not signing the petition. "Am I signing it? No," she stated to Semafor.

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Despite the opposition, House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries remains determined. "All options are on the table. We’re going to utilize every available legislative tool," he declared.

Speaker Johnson, however, continues to insist that any bill lacking funds to address the crisis at the southern border should not be considered by the House. "The Republican-led House will not be jammed or forced into passing a foreign aid bill that was opposed by most Republican senators and does nothing to secure our own border," he asserted on Wednesday.

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Johnson further emphasized his stance by tying it to the interests of the American people. "It's time for Washington to start showing some love for Americans," he said. "On Valentine's Day, it's a good day to point this out. We need to listen to the American people and their needs and take action, and that's why House leadership will continue to govern with Americans' interests at heart."

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