Following the successful passage of a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine in the Senate, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wasted no time in urging Speaker Mike Johnson of the House to bring the bill to a vote. Dismissing Johnson’s insistence on incorporating stringent border reforms to tackle the migrant surge, Schumer emphasized the urgency of the moment during a press conference shortly after the Senate vote.
Schumer expressed his intention to directly engage with Speaker Johnson, stressing the significance of the United States standing up for its values and confronting adversaries like Russian President Vladimir Putin. He conveyed confidence in garnering significant support for the bill in the House, highlighting the bipartisan nature of its passage in the Senate.
Addressing Johnson’s demands for border security enhancements, Schumer underscored the critical need to expedite aid to Ukraine without delay. He pointed out that the Senate bill received substantial support from Republicans and brushed aside concerns about strengthening border security, citing previous efforts by Democrats in that regard.
Schumer criticized Republican reluctance, attributing it to undue influence from former President Donald Trump, who had opposed the bipartisan deal. He also dismissed Trump’s suggestion of providing aid to Ukraine in the form of a loan, advocating instead for the swift passage of the Senate bill in the House.
In conclusion, Schumer emphasized the importance of unity in swiftly delivering aid to Ukraine, urging Speaker Johnson and fellow lawmakers to prioritize the bipartisan effort over divisive proposals.