Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is committed to putting a vote for Ukraine funding on the House floor some time after Easter.
“His commitment is to put it on the floor after Easter and we are working on this bill,” McCaul told CBS’s Margaret Brennan on “Face the Nation.”
When pressed further on whether this means they will vote on the bill as soon as April 9 — when the House returns from recess — McCaul just emphasized he would like it done “as soon as possible.” McCaul is the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and has been a strong supporter of approving additional funding for Ukraine, which has been fighting Russia for more than two years.
“I think the situation Ukraine is dire…. if we lose in Ukraine like Afghanistan and then lose to Putin, let him you know, take over Ukraine and Moldova, Georgia, and abandon our allies like we did in Afghanistan — Does that make the United States weaker or stronger? I think weaker,” he said.
When asked on why there is a lack of urgency by Johnson on approving funding for Ukraine, McCaul noted that he is in a “difficult” spot.
“He understands this. He is in a very difficult spot, and this motion to vacate the chair thing — I believe he’s committed because he understands national security. And leans on, you know, myself, the chairman of armed services, House Intelligence, for advice on this and he knows how important this is,” McCaul said.
The Hill has reached out to Johnson’s office for comment.