Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson considers it critically important to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons.
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Johnson said he trusts intelligence reports that “Xi, Vladimir Putin and Iran really are an axis of evil.” And if Putin is allowed, he will continue his campaign across Europe.” His statement is quoted by Voice of America.
The speaker, in comments to the press, added what people who had been calling him to action had been saying for six months:
Help for Ukraine is critical now. Putin will continue to march across Europe if he is allowed to. I would rather send balloons to Ukraine than our guys.
On April 17, the House of Representatives released the text of a new bill to support Ukraine, announced by Mike Johnson. The vote is expected on Saturday evening. Let’s briefly go over the main points and other important details.
The new bill does not differ significantly from what the Senate previously passed. About 61 billion were allocated there for Ukraine. From the military to the PDA, USAI and US resupply programs. This will allow the Pentagon to provide Kyiv with weapons from its warehouses and purchase them from the industry.
They offer to provide economic assistance on loan. However, the president will have the authority to forgive this debt. The first 50% can be written off after the November elections. The remaining 50% – no earlier than 2026. Therefore, much will depend on the election results.
Another difference is the call for the president to provide Kyiv with long-range ATACMs. Republican Congressman McCall included this provision, but it is not mandatory. Therefore, the final decision here will still be up to the White House and the Pentagon.
Also in the text of the bill there is a so-called “Strategy for Ukraine”, which states that the US goal should be to help Ukraine win the war.
In addition to this, the House of Representatives promulgated another, separate bill on the use of seized Russian assets in favor of Ukraine.
Congressmen have until Saturday to review the document. They also have the ability to make amendments. On the one hand, this is an attempt to gain more support from different groups. On the other hand, it may delay the voting process and complicate the collection of votes.
Joe Biden has already said he supports Johnson’s bill. At least in the form in which we saw it now. If it passes the House of Representatives and then the Senate again, the president has promised to sign it without delay.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.