Democrats began preparing a discharge petition – the very procedure that could force a vote on aid to Ukraine in the House of Representatives, bypassing Speaker Johnson.
“Wanted: 10-15 Republicans with a bit of courage,” the petition says.
There are three problems here.
1. The procedure itself is very tedious and even if successful, it will take at least a month. Democrats are putting it forward now in order to meet it by the end of March, when, according to many analysts, problems with ammunition in Ukraine will begin to have an even greater impact on the front.
2. Before resolving the issue with the help of Ukraine, the Chamber needs to prevent a partial shutdown, which begins on March 1. The Chamber returns from vacation on February 28. The first negotiations will take place on Sunday.
3. It is necessary, in fact, for these 10-15 brave republicans to be found. So far, none of them have publicly stated that they are ready to support the discharge petition (even among the 10 most actively supporting Ukraine are Buck, Bacon, Gallagher, Crenshaw, McCall, Mike Rogers, Turner, Womack, Fitzpatrick and Ellzey, on whom all hope lies) .
So this step is rather symbolic for now.
What other news is there?
▪️Biden signaled his readiness to agree to the “Mexican Protocol” – a concession that was considered unthinkable by Democrats just six months ago. But Speaker Johnson called it “Biden campaign stuff” in a statement. That is, the person is absolutely insane – no matter what concessions the Democrats make, Johnson and the Trumpists will have excuses for anything in order to block both border reform and assistance to Ukraine, waiting for Trump’s presidency.
So far, everything looks like there is no way to get aid to Ukraine through the House except by force (by force is a discharge petition), and this requires the political will of the Republicans.
▪️Chuck Schumer is in Kyiv (the leader of the Democrats, thanks to whom aid to Ukraine was pushed through the Senate), with four more senators. Negotiations with Zelensky will take place today.
You must be logged in to post a comment.