Republicans Push For Discharge Petition Against Mike Johnson

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Newsweek

Published Feb 22, 2024 at 5:46 AM EST


Campaign group Republicans for Ukraine are launching a six-figure advertising blitz urging GOP House members to support a discharge petition to pass a bill containing additional military aid for Ukraine, after Speaker Mike Johnson declined to bring it to a vote.

On February 13 the Senate passed a $95 billion package including an additional $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, but it must also be approved by the House before President Joe Biden can sign it into law. Currently Johnson is refusing to hold a vote on the package, which he claimed is "silent on the most pressing issue facing our country," in a reference to illegal immigration.

On Wednesday Republicans for Ukraine announced a "six-figure digital ad" campaign aimed at the 10 House Republicans they seem most likely to sign a discharge petition. A discharge petition, which would require the support of 218 House members including at least four Republicans, could allow the aid package to go to a vote without Johnson's backing. Supporters of Ukraine are confident they have the numbers needed to pass the package in the House if they can get it to a vote.

Speaking to Newsweek, Republicans for Ukraine spokesperson Gunner Ramer said: "For generations, the Republican Party prided itself on standing up to dictators and leading the free world. Many Republicans, including many in Congress, still identify with that party and that role for America. Right now the critical issue in the world is whether free countries will help defeat Putin in Ukraine.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/republicans-push-discharge-petition-against-mike-johnson-1872277

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The discharge petition pretty much requires 218 signatures so if all (D)s (212 currently) vote for it, they just need 6 (R)s (there are 219 (R)s).

There are also 4 vacancies (1 (D) with special election in April & 3 (R)s with a NY-3 flip to (D) who will be sworn in Feb 28 (making it 213 (D)s), and additional special elections in May & June).