Leftist House Democrats Unfurl Ukraine Flags As Aid Passes
It was not a high point for political decorum or basic common sense. On Saturday, House Democrats broke out in applause and waved Ukrainian flags after approving another $60 billion in aid for the never-ending war. Leftists rose to their feet in unison and chanted “Ukraine!” on the floor.
An uninformed spectator would wonder if the spectacle was in Washington or Kyiv.
The Washington Examiner reported that scores of Democrats leapt to their feet and produced small flags. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who was highly instrumental in the vote, later reprimanded the breach of rules that prohibit such flag waving.
JUST IN: Congress members wave Ukraine flags in the United States House after they approve another $61 *billion* in military aid for Ukraine.
The bill also gave $26 *billion* to Israel and another $8 *billion* for allies in the Indo-Pacific region bringing the grand total to… pic.twitter.com/SCKilm6nPr
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 20, 2024
Despite Johnson’s best efforts, only 101 House Republicans voted for the massive expenditure.
In his attempt to placate party conservatives, at least some of the funding was reconstituted as a loan. As it will certainly sail through the Democratic-controlled Senate and breeze across President Joe Biden’s desk for signature, the parameters are now clear.
Massive allocations include $13.8 billion for advanced weapons systems and defense technology. Another $11.3 billion will fund continued U.S. military operations in the wartorn area to prop up Ukraine’s defense in its fight with Russia.
The cringe-worthy flag-waving drew the admonition of Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY). As the left side of the aisle broke all decorum, he informed the leftists that such a display was in violation of House rules and deemed it “inappropriate.”
Reliable conservative Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) was even more strident. She grabbed the microphone and told her leftist colleagues to “put those [expletive] flags away.”
Democrats jeered her response to their jubilation.
The House convened for an unusual Saturday session with Democrats and many Republicans pushing for a positive vote on further Ukraine aid. Their work also featured separate bills for Israel and Indo-Pacific allies.
Even as he failed to unite the GOP, Johnson secured guaranteed support for House Democrats. Some within his own party continue to challenge his leadership for being far too much in tune with President Joe Biden and the left.
But Saturday’s results almost certainly mean that congressional liberals will prop the Speaker up in his position if the push becomes too great from Republican conservatives.