House Democrats Aren’t Committing to Save Mike Johnson Just Yet

“There’s no option off the table right now,” Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said of the effort to pass foreign aid.

Pete Aguilar, Ted Lieu
Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu and Chair Pete Aguilar said they are ready to help pass foreign aid — with a caveat. Jose Luis Magana/AP

While Republicans sort out another messy policy fight within their conference, Democrats are anxiously waiting to see if it all falls apart.

Democratic leadership on Tuesday made clear that the ball is in Republicans’ court to pass Speaker Mike Johnson’s new foreign aid package. This could be bad news for Johnson, who might need their support for both the bills and to maintain his speakership. Until they see the text for the foreign aid bills, which will now address aid to Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel separately, they will not commit to supporting them.

Democrats still want a vote on the Senate-passed bill that included humanitarian assistance and military aid, and Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu warned that a House package without those measures wouldn’t get their votes.