House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing criticism for not taking up the Ukraine aid package that was passed by the Senate earlier this week. Johnson claims that he is too busy with other serious issues, such as avoiding a government shutdown and addressing border security, to focus on the aid package. However, critics argue that he is simply engaging in political posturing and delaying action on the bill.
Johnson recently led House Republicans in a failed attempt to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. This move has been seen as a distraction from addressing important issues, including the Ukraine aid package. Critics point out that Johnson effectively killed the original Senate bill, which included a border security package, by stating that it would be dead on arrival in the House. Now he complains that the aid bill does not address border security.
In addition to his impeachment efforts, Johnson claims to be focused on avoiding a government shutdown on March 1. However, there are no appropriations bills on the House schedule this week to fund the government ahead of the deadline. Critics argue that Johnson seems to have prioritized impeachment over funding the government and addressing the Ukraine aid package.
The Senate, which is currently on recess until February 26, will have to deal with the Mayorkas impeachment as soon as they return. This means that valuable Senate time will be wasted on a trial that is unlikely to result in a conviction. This further delays important legislative actions, such as passing bills to keep the government from shutting down.
The process of passing bills between the House and Senate is also hindered by poison-pill riders that House Republicans have inserted into their spending bills. These riders address controversial issues such as abortion, contraception, and transgender rights, further complicating the legislative process.
Despite his recent impeachment efforts, Johnson is now demanding a face-to-face meeting with President Biden to discuss the Ukraine aid package. However, the White House has stated that Johnson needs to stop delaying national security needs in the name of politics. It is unlikely that Biden will meet with Johnson to address his concerns.
Overall, Johnson’s actions have been seen as political posturing and a distraction from addressing important issues. Critics argue that he has prioritized impeachment over funding the government and providing aid to Ukraine. The legislative process is further hindered by controversial riders inserted into spending bills. It remains to be seen how Johnson will navigate these challenges and address the pressing issues at hand.
