We know what “they doin ova der,” they’re making things worse.
I’m going to try to keep this brief tonight, but we have a lot to cover and a significant chunk is the GOP majority in the House of Representatives is eating itself.
Ukraine has "no chance of winning" its war with Russia, if it doesn't receive additional aid from the United States, Ukrainian President @ZelenskyyUa tells @IAmAmnaNawaz. pic.twitter.com/Bb5XgXto9K
— PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) April 15, 2024
New:
– Dems furious Johnson isn’t putting the Senate bill on the floor
– Some not ruling out voting for the rule if needed
– Inclusion of humanitarian aid $ could be pivotal for many Dem votes
– Leadership keeping their powder dry@Axios https://t.co/BZiJ0tR14e— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) April 16, 2024
From Axios:
House Democrats were incensed at the Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan aid plan House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) rolled out on Monday — but they are not ruling out saving it if necessary.
Why it matters: Several Republican hardliners who are opposed to Ukraine aid and irked by a lack of border security language have not ruled out sabotaging a key procedural vote that typically passes along party lines.
- “I have a hard time believing we’re going to give something to Ukraine without doing our border,” said Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.).
- Some are also perturbed about the process: Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.) said it is “a process to a predetermined outcome … designed to appear open.”
- “I think it’s going to take Democrats to pass the rule,” one House Democrat told Axios.
Driving the news: The House is expected to hold four separate votes, including on aid packages for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
What they’re saying: The predominant reaction of Democrats on Monday was irritation that Johnson is not simply holding a vote on the Senate bill.
- “We have delayed this now for months, because this party is so dysfunctional … they’re constantly trying to pander to every faction,” former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told Axios.
- Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) said “like everything these guys do, it’s an exercise in improvisation … it just speaks to the recklessness and cluelessness of this Republican majority.”
- “They just can’t bring themselves to do the right thing, the obvious thing, put the damn Senate bill on the floor,” Huffman added.
Yes, but: Several moderate and swing-district Democrats signaled that they would be open to voting for the rule through gritted teeth if necessary.
- “This is one of the most critical votes that we’ll take, so I’m very open to whatever it takes to get this done,” said Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio).
- Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) told Axios: “Republicans have played politics with this … for six months. I would hope that my colleagues don’t play politics with it either.”
- “Look, I mean, the people back home, they want bipartisanship and I want to give it to them,” said Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.).
Between the lines: “It is a desperate situation in Ukraine, and Democrats are very driven to get aid to Ukraine at this point,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.).
What to watch: Some Democrats said their votes would likely depend on the inclusion of humanitarian aid in the bill.
- Hoyer said excising that funding would be “irresponsible” and “inimical to the interests of the United States.”
- “It’s very hard for me to vote for a rule under any circumstances, but to vote for a rule … without the humanitarian issues, that’s going to be very hard,” said Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.).
More at the link!
This means — after Gallagher resigns — Johnson would almost certainly need Democrats to save his job if the motion to oust him comes up for a vote.
Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz says he would save Mike Johnson’s job if MTG brings motion to oust him.
Others like Democratic… https://t.co/aRDZEOjGKy
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) April 16, 2024
This means — after Gallagher resigns — Johnson would almost certainly need Democrats to save his job if the motion to oust him comes up for a vote.
Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz says he would save Mike Johnson’s job if MTG brings motion to oust him.
Others like Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi also said they would vote to save Johnson
“Democrats don’t even let her rename post offices, I’m not gonna let her make a motion to vacate,” Moskowitz told me
That’s funny because it’s true!
Beyond EPIC pic.twitter.com/BRAMt830x2
— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) April 16, 2024
Oy vey!
Members of the GOP House majority are using this mess of their own making to advance their own ambitions for power:
NEW: House Republicans are privately questioning Johnson's long-term political future — and some are quietly positioning themselves for possible leadership shakeup further down the line.
Emmer's moves being watched closely. He's repaired relationship w/ Trump & attended…
— Melanie Zanona (@MZanona) April 16, 2024
NEW: House Republicans are privately questioning Johnson’s long-term political future — and some are quietly positioning themselves for possible leadership shakeup further down the line.
Emmer’s moves being watched closely. He’s repaired relationship w/ Trump & attended roundtable with Trump ahead of PA rally. Some allies also trying to gauge his standing in GOP, tho Emmer not involved and is fully behind Johnson.
new details w/ @AnnieGrayerCNN & @mkraju
https://cnn.com/2024/04/16/politics/mike-johnson-revolt-house-gop-leadership
Because of course they are!
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.