House Speaker Mike Johnson has told Senate Republicans that he supports aid to Ukraine, although he opposes combining it with money for Israel, Politico reports.
"Johnson's position challenges Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who want to combine funding for Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and US-Mexico border security," the article says.
It is noted that the newly elected speaker made it clear that he supports the allocation of money for the defense of Ukraine, even if it differs in size or scope from what US President Joe Biden wants.
Johnson also told senators that strengthening US border security and funding for Ukraine are "inextricably intertwined." He made it clear that he sees funding for Israel as a subject for one discussion, and the border and Ukraine issues as another.
Senator Roger Marshall said that if Johnson tried to combine these guides in a vote, "his caucus would riot, and that would probably be the end of the speakership." Republican Senator Josh Hawley said of Johnson's position on Ukraine and Israel: "He kept saying over and over again: "Look, to me, it's just numbers. I can't do it together".
