U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson pledges to finally take action on Ukraine aid after budget approval
The main priority of the U.S. Congress is to finalize the government’s 2024 budget, but attention will be paid to aid for Ukraine and other American partners soon afterward, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said at a March 20 press conference.
Congress faces a March 22 deadline to pass the budget, with a government shutdown looming if unmet. Johnson noted that budget agreements are nearly finalized, expecting a vote this week.
Read also: House Speaker Johnson to unblock Ukraine aid but with significant differences
Once budget issues are resolved, focus will swiftly shift to additional support for American allies, ensuring no further delays in the process, Johnson assured.
“Swiftly,” however, is a relative term.
Read also: Polish PM Tusk slams House Speaker Johnson for endangering Ukrainian lives with aid delay
Following the deadline, a two-week hiatus in House sessions will occur, likely postponing aid legislation for Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. partners until after April 8.
The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan Ukraine aid bill on February 13, meaning that it will have taken the U.S. House nearly two months to begin deliberations.
Johnson shed light on the discussions surrounding the REPO Act, legislation aimed at utilizing assets seized from Russian oligarchs to contribute toward Ukraine's aid. He also touched on ongoing conversations about offering aid in the form of loans.
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