House GOP Overrules Ukraine Opposition, Passes State Department Funding Bill

House Republicans pass State Department and foreign operations funding legislation, overcoming objections from some GOP lawmakers on Ukraine.

In a 216-212 vote, the bill was approved, with Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) voting against it.

The passage of the bill will not prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month, but Republican leaders believe that moving the legislation, along with three other funding bills, could make it easier for the House GOP to pass a stopgap measure.

Conservative opposition to the State Department spending bill primarily centers around its provisions related to Ukraine.

While the legislation does not specify a specific amount for Ukraine, it states that funds provided under the bill should support Ukraine in defending its sovereignty against Russia’s invasion, combating corruption, and promoting transparency and democracy.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene argues that the bill gives Ukraine a “blank check,” and she proposed an amendment to prohibit assistance to Ukraine, which failed in a vote of 90-342.

Republicans are seeking over 10% cuts to the State Department funding bill in an effort to reduce “wasteful spending.” Their proposals include terminating funding for the UN’s regular budget, as well as the World Health Organization and the Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund.

Republicans highlight that the bill supports Israel through the Foreign Military Financing Program and includes funding for Egypt, Jordan, and efforts to counter Chinese influence.

However, Democrats criticize the bill for its cuts, arguing that it could damage border and foreign efforts. Rep. Rosa DeLauro believes the bill reduces programs aimed at addressing the root causes of migration from countries like Colombia and Guatemala.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro also says that the bill weakens national security, hinders efforts to address the climate crisis, and harms women worldwide, leading her to conclude that it relinquishes America’s position as a global leader.

Aside from the State Department legislation, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expresses concerns about $300 million in funding for Ukraine that was initially included in the Pentagon appropriations bill.

Greene broke from convention and joined other conservatives in voting against a procedural vote on the spending bill, blocking the start of debates. However, House Minority Leader McCarthy later announced that he would keep the Ukraine aid in the legislation, leading to Greene’s opposition to a rule that included the Pentagon and State Department bills. The rule passed despite her opposition.

On Wednesday night, House Republicans reversed course and voted to remove the $300 million from the Pentagon funding bill due to uncertainty surrounding its chances of passage.