US Congressman Fitzpatrick on options and scenarios to advance $61 billion Ukraine aid bill vote
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The U.S. House of Representatives has multiple avenues for addressing the "Ukrainian issue," Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick told NV on March 5.
The House may vote on a $61 billion aid bill for Ukraine as soon as next month, Fitzpatrick said.
"I think the decision [on aid to Ukraine] will be made in March," Fitzpatrick told the Editorial Board.
However, he said, there are several potential scenarios.
While the Senate has already approved a bill for aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has refrained from scheduling a vote due to disagreements concerning the U.S.-Mexico border. This option continues to be pushed by the U.S. President Joe Biden team and Ukrainian officials.
Fitzpatrick himself, along with Democratic Congressman Don Bacon, has proposed another bill combining military aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan with former President Donald Trump's border security plan.
An alternative option in the House involves a "discharge petition" authored by Fitzpatrick and Democratic colleague Jim McGovern. If it garners support from 218 congressmen, the Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan aid package can bypass Johnson and proceed to a vote.
Fitzpatrick has already begun collecting signatures for this initiative.
This option is highly likely to anger some Republicans, who might view it as a challenge to the Speaker and party control of the House, American analysts said. This could complicate Democrats' efforts to secure backing for the $61 billion aid package for Ukraine.
U.S. lawmakers and experts interviewed by NV anticipate ongoing consultations on the Ukrainian issue until the end of March.
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