Democrats Are Quietly Celebrating Their Wins on Foreign Aid Bills

No one wants to brag too much publicly, but Democrats say Republican dysfunction has given them leverage and the ability to stay united.

Hakeem Jeffries Mike Johnson

Democrats credit the party’s public unity with getting four bills out of Republican leadership that, for the most part, members are happy with. Alex Brandon/AP

Democrats got almost everything they wanted in Mike Johnson’s proposed aid plan: There were no added “poison pill” provisions, billions of dollars for humanitarian aid were included and, ultimately, the package looks largely similar to the version the Senate passed in February.

But don’t expect many Democrats to be taking a victory lap — yet. Members said they will look to leadership for how to vote on a procedural rule vote if it comes to the floor, and leadership, in turn, is being quiet on what they’ll ultimately do.

“This is a member-driven process,” Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said following a caucus meeting Thursday morning to discuss the four national security bills introduced Wednesday.