Ukraine’s Prospects for Emergency U.S. Aid Get Boost but Speaker Vote Remains Uncertain
By Patricia Zengerle
WASHINGTON, Oct 24 (Reuters) – The prospects for Ukraine to receive additional emergency aid from the United States received a boost on Tuesday with the nomination of Tom Emmer by Republicans to lead the House of Representatives. However, the celebration may be premature as Emmer may lack the necessary votes to become speaker.
The House has been without a speaker since Oct. 3, when eight Republicans joined Democrats to oust Kevin McCarthy, marking the first time a U.S. speaker has been removed from the position.
McCarthy’s removal raised concerns about the continuity of aid to the Kyiv government. Many of McCarthy’s potential successors have opposed providing further assistance to Kyiv, in addition to the $113 billion already approved since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Emmer, currently the chamber’s No. 3 Republican, is the latest nominee to succeed McCarthy after unsuccessful bids by Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan.
Emmer has been recognized as a strong supporter of aiding Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. A “report card” issued by the conservative Defending Democracy Together’s “Republicans for Ukraine” campaign awarded Emmer an “A excellent” rating based on his previous votes.
However, Emmer seems to be at least 20 votes short of the 217 required to win the speakership.
Jordan received an “F very poor” rating, as did Representative Mike Johnson, the last candidate for speaker before Emmer’s nomination. Scalise was rated “B Okay.”
Assisting Ukraine is a priority for Democratic President Joe Biden. Advocates argue that defending Ukraine’s democracy is important to deter aggression from other autocratic governments.
Opponents argue that taxpayer dollars would be better utilized within the United States or accuse Kyiv of corruptly mishandling the funds, claims which U.S. and Ukrainian officials deny.
On Friday, Biden requested Congress to approve a new funding package which includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, with a significant portion allocated for replenishing U.S. military stockpiles.
The request also includes aid for Israel, Taiwan, and border security, but has received mixed responses from Republicans.
Emmer’s office has not yet responded to a request for comment on the supplemental funding or his current stance on Ukraine assistance.
The House cannot vote on Biden’s request until a speaker is in place.
With a narrow 221-212 House majority, Republicans have voted in favor of providing aid to Ukraine. However, the next speaker could block further assistance before it reaches the House floor if they oppose the idea.
McCarthy’s removal came just three days after he led the House to pass a spending bill that did not include any new funds for Ukraine, highlighting the reluctance of some caucus members to support Ukraine’s funding. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle Editing by Alistair Bell)
