This weekend's Congressional drama underscores the importance of American democracy in other parts of the world. We know they are clearly watching what happens in America by responses to what unfolds in Washington. At the first indication some time ago that Ukraine might be getting less US assistance the EU closed ranks to fill the gap. And within hours of the passage of bills in the House the thanks of Zelenskyy and others showed how closely he and others were paying close attention.
While I understand the “Freedom Caucus” not wanting taxpayer money going overseas, they’ve never offered alternatives. They say “spend money here” but balk at actually spending it here. They don’t even talk about an across the board tax reduction letting people keep their money. They just complain and definitely haven’t earned the Freedom part of their name.
Also, the plan doesn’t send mountains of cash to Ukraine. It sends munitions and supplies covered in budgets from years ago. Munitions that were built by Americans, that are nearing expiration and would otherwise cost money to dispose of, that will be replaced by new munitions being built today by Americans.
I do not believe there is anything wrong with the members of the US congress waving Ukrainian flags as a show of solidarity with a country that has been invaded by a tyrant and is trying to defend itself. It seems odd to have a problem with that. I can understand being upset about spending money when we’re in so much debt, but not about supporting a country that is currently fighting to not lose its autonomy.
I haven't heard anything like that. I think it's more likely that Mike Johnson is a familiar Reagan Republican when it comes to Russia, not what we've seen of late from the GOP, which is more deferential to Moscow, for reasons which still aren't clear.
Seriously? The idea that tя☭mp told his nazi minions to vote against funding Ukraine, and they voted against it is inexplicable? Just as he told them to vote against border security, and they did it isn’t inexplicable.
What’s inexplicable is why every republican isn’t throwing that rapist away. Literally everything he touches turns to crap, but they keep shoveling it all into their mouths. You’d they be tired of losing after 2018.
The GOP has "inexplicably moved so much closer to Moscow and Vladimir Putin" is a concerning take on the Ukraine aid vote. The fact that our government continues to fund and fuel foreign wars, killing innocents and destroying countries, is intolerable. It has nothing to do with democracy or national security and everything to do with money for politicians and the war machine.
Re: TikTok
I can't muster concern for "Chinese spying" via TikTok after the Legislature reauthorized FISA section 702 along with the RISAA expansion of warrantless surveillance of Americans (except for Members of Congress of course).
Now that you mention it, I wonder if he and Trump might have back-channel communication lines. By now both of them surely know MTG and the extremists have become more a liability than an asset. Trump could be using Johnson to marginalize them politically without offending the MAGA core constituency. Just guessing...
This weekend's Congressional drama underscores the importance of American democracy in other parts of the world. We know they are clearly watching what happens in America by responses to what unfolds in Washington. At the first indication some time ago that Ukraine might be getting less US assistance the EU closed ranks to fill the gap. And within hours of the passage of bills in the House the thanks of Zelenskyy and others showed how closely he and others were paying close attention.
Thanks for the Sunday update, Jamie.
While I understand the “Freedom Caucus” not wanting taxpayer money going overseas, they’ve never offered alternatives. They say “spend money here” but balk at actually spending it here. They don’t even talk about an across the board tax reduction letting people keep their money. They just complain and definitely haven’t earned the Freedom part of their name.
Also, the plan doesn’t send mountains of cash to Ukraine. It sends munitions and supplies covered in budgets from years ago. Munitions that were built by Americans, that are nearing expiration and would otherwise cost money to dispose of, that will be replaced by new munitions being built today by Americans.
I do not believe there is anything wrong with the members of the US congress waving Ukrainian flags as a show of solidarity with a country that has been invaded by a tyrant and is trying to defend itself. It seems odd to have a problem with that. I can understand being upset about spending money when we’re in so much debt, but not about supporting a country that is currently fighting to not lose its autonomy.
Thank you for the weekend updates!
Thanks so much, Jamie, for keeping us so well informed. I hope you’ll get to take a a day off this week to catch your breath.
I’ve read in some commentary that Johnson changed his mind because he got “permission” from Trump? Any truth to that?
I haven't heard anything like that. I think it's more likely that Mike Johnson is a familiar Reagan Republican when it comes to Russia, not what we've seen of late from the GOP, which is more deferential to Moscow, for reasons which still aren't clear.
Thanks for clarifying.
“inexplicably moved to putin”
Seriously? The idea that tя☭mp told his nazi minions to vote against funding Ukraine, and they voted against it is inexplicable? Just as he told them to vote against border security, and they did it isn’t inexplicable.
What’s inexplicable is why every republican isn’t throwing that rapist away. Literally everything he touches turns to crap, but they keep shoveling it all into their mouths. You’d they be tired of losing after 2018.
Comrade Green is not a Reagan Republican. Wonder if she is losing her ability to influence the house?
The GOP has "inexplicably moved so much closer to Moscow and Vladimir Putin" is a concerning take on the Ukraine aid vote. The fact that our government continues to fund and fuel foreign wars, killing innocents and destroying countries, is intolerable. It has nothing to do with democracy or national security and everything to do with money for politicians and the war machine.
Re: TikTok
I can't muster concern for "Chinese spying" via TikTok after the Legislature reauthorized FISA section 702 along with the RISAA expansion of warrantless surveillance of Americans (except for Members of Congress of course).
You said vote was 311-112-1. Then later you said 120 Republicans voted against aid to Ukraine. Did I miss something in the translation?
No, that was my mistake. The GOP broke 101-112 against the Ukraine aid. Thanks for your sharp eyes.
First of all, thank you for this weekend update. Always insightful!
Curious who was the one "present" vote on two of the bills. And any insight as to why they'd vote that way? Thank you.
Now that you mention it, I wonder if he and Trump might have back-channel communication lines. By now both of them surely know MTG and the extremists have become more a liability than an asset. Trump could be using Johnson to marginalize them politically without offending the MAGA core constituency. Just guessing...