House to vote on aid bill despite objections

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Congress is poised to vote on a long-awaited foreign aid package this week.

If passed, the bills would send aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan but it isn’t happening without a fight.

In a tense committee meeting today lawmakers argued over the aid bills with some saying it’s critical to help America’s allies, and others insisting we have to focus on fixing America’s issues first.

“We are in a real pivotal point in history,” said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas.)

House Speaker Mike Johnson is planning to hold votes on four separate bills totaling about $95 billion.

“I would rather send bullets to Ukraine than American boys. My son is going to begin in the Naval Academy this fall. This is a live fire exercise for me as it is for so many American families,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).

The plan is drawing outrage from more conservative members of the Republican caucus.

“I feel for Ukraine. I feel for Israel. But I feel for the American people,” said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.).

Some conservatives want to focus on the border.

“None of it is going to address the southern border,” said Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas.)

Several Republicans are threatening to remove Speaker Johnson from his position over this package, but Johnson says it’s worth the risk.

“We can’t play politics with this we have to do the right thing,” said Johnson.

Most Democrats say they support the push to send this foreign aid.

“I applaud Speaker Johnson for taking a stand. He is right,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.).

Some argue the House should have acted even sooner to help U.S.  allies who are in desperate need.

“If we do not help Ukraine fight for their democracy and fight to protect their sovereignty this war will not end. It will grow. It will grow!” said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.).

The House is expected to vote on the bills this weekend, and then they would go to the Senate. President Biden says as soon as they reach his desk, he’ll sign it.

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