The uncertainty looms over the US Republicans' proposal for separate aid bills for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, stirring debates among Congressional Democrats.

Following the Senate's approval of a $95 billion security assistance package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other Indo-Pacific partners over two months ago, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Monday that the House would deliberate on the aid. However, he proposed to handle it as distinct pieces of legislation, intensifying the uncertainty surrounding the long-awaited aid package, particularly for Ukraine. Some far-right Republicans vehemently oppose further assistance to Kyiv and have threatened to oust Johnson if the proposal passes.

Democrats in both the House and Senate are considering Johnson's proposals, though they emphasize that passing the Senate-approved legislation as one bill would be the most efficient approach. However, Johnson's plan may elongate the process, requiring separate House and Senate votes before reaching President Joe Biden's desk for approval.

Senator Chuck Schumer underscored the need to assess the proposal's substance and procedural aspects before reaching a conclusion. Representative Pete Aguilar echoed similar sentiments, expressing a willingness to wait for the bill's details before making any judgments.

Furthermore, it remains unclear which country's aid the House would prioritize. Republicans have attempted to advance aid for Israel without Ukraine, a move Democrats have opposed. The White House has also voiced opposition to standalone aid for Israel.

While White House National Security spokesman John Kirby expressed initial optimism about the proposal's potential to deliver aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific, he emphasized the need for further details.

Meanwhile, Johnson outlined plans for the fourth bill, including additional sanctions on Russia and Iran, along with the "REPO Act," aimed at seizing Russian assets to aid Ukraine.

President Biden has been urging Johnson to allow a vote on supplemental funding, supported by Senate Republicans and Democrats alike. However, Johnson had previously delayed the process, citing various reasons, including the need to focus on domestic issues.

Amidst these developments, several hard-right Republicans, aligned with former President Donald Trump, remain skeptical about aiding Kyiv and strongly oppose allocating more funds to Ukraine. At least two far-right Republicans have threatened to remove Johnson as speaker if he permits a vote on assistance for Ukraine. Johnson has refused to resign, though it remains uncertain whether he would survive a hard-right rebellion.

Democrats have indicated a willingness to support Johnson to prevent chaos in the House, recalling the turmoil that ensued when conservatives ousted then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year, resulting in a three-week delay before Johnson's election. Photo by Martin Falbisoner, Wikimedia commons.