Democrat President Joe Biden is pressuring House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to “move quickly” and unblock foreign aid to Ukraine amid growing pushback from Republicans.
However, the move could potentially put Johnson’s job at risk by crossing a red line for House Republicans who accuse him of failing to put “America First.”
Biden spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said Johnson “has to move quickly” as he stares down a threat of removal from pro-Trump hardliner Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
Republican voters, and a vocal minority of GOP lawmakers, have objected to continued support for Ukraine without a solution to the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Greene has threatened to trigger a “motion to vacate” if Johnson moves to support Ukraine.
A second Republican, isolationist Thomas Massie (R-KY), also joined Greene’s push on Tuesday.
But Johnson’s narrow Republican majority has given Democrats leverage to squeeze him for concessions.
They are offering tentatively to help him keep his job if he unlocks foreign aid money.
Nevertheless, despite mounting pressure from the GOP, Johnson announced Wednesday he is sticking with his plan to put a series of foreign aid bills on the floor, including funding for Ukraine.
Johnson said in a note to members