Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has expressed his commitment to opposing Russia's invasion of Ukraine for the remainder of his term. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has proposed a novel approach to continue funding the war effort, diverging from the Senate-passed $95 billion package with aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
One potential piece of the House's forthcoming effort is the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act, which aims to liquidate seized Russian assets to provide more assistance for Ukraine. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., praised the plan, stating that it could be a winning package when combined with border security measures.
It's unclear if Johnson's plan for Ukraine would be attached to U.S. border security measures. Congressional Republicans previously rejected a $118 billion aid package earlier this year, arguing it did not adequately address the ongoing border crisis.
McConnell emphasized his focus on supporting Ukraine and pushing back against Russia's advances. He also expressed his intention to combat isolationist tendencies within his party. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Ranking Member James Risch, R-Idaho, supports seizing Russian sovereign assets as part of the aid package.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, hopes the REPO Act will be included in the final package. While some Republicans are hesitant to discuss specifics without a firm plan, others stress the importance of supporting Ukraine's defense and enforcing sanctions on Putin.
Despite differing opinions within the GOP, Speaker Johnson has indicated that a targeted bill to aid Ukraine's defense will be brought to the floor after the recess. Failure to support Ukraine is seen as playing into the hands of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran by some Republican representatives.
