It’s not often that a member of the Senate offers advice to the House of Representatives, even when speaking to members of his own party. But on Wednesday, Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) did precisely that, speaking to the House Republican Study Committee.
The Ohio conservative argued that apart from pushing through aid to Israel, there’s no reason to move on any of the other aid bills — which includes aid to Ukraine and Taiwan — until House Republicans secure border security victories, one of the three people said.
Vance is one of the Hill’s most active critics of new Ukraine aid, and he joined other conservatives in opposing a border security deal that emissaries from both parties negotiated to hitch a ride on a foreign aid bill. His views got backup during the RSC meeting from Stephen Miller, a former senior adviser to Donald Trump who was the group’s other speaker.
Vance’s advice included advocating for any discussion of foreign aid to Ukraine and Taiwan (but not Israel) to be predicated upon concessions from Democrats related to border security. At present border security is scheduled to be addressed in another bill.
The Ohio conservative argued that apart from pushing through aid to Israel, there’s no reason to move on any of the other aid bills — which includes aid to Ukraine and Taiwan — until House Republicans secure border security victories, one of the three people said.
At least one House Republican, who is not named, implied that Sen. Vance should stay in his lane.
But while Vance is aligned with many on Speaker Mike Johnson’s right flank, his advice wasn’t particularly well-received by all the House members in the room. Some scoffed at the idea that Vance would try to weigh in on their chamber’s business.
“What does he know” about House procedures, one lawmaker in the room quipped afterward.
The House aid package has been a highly contentious issue. The House GOP is by no means united on the path forward, meaning that Speaker of the House may seek Democratic support to move the package ahead.
Previously on RedState: Speaker Johnson Establishes Rules for Israel/Taiwan/Ukraine Aid Bills; Vote Set for Saturday
House Speaker Mike Johnson Turns to Democrats for Help to Pass Aid to Ukraine
Senator Vance’s advice comes at a time when, for the third time in recent months, a Republican Speaker of the House is under challenge by members of his own party. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has filed a Motion to Vacate, which would remove the Speaker from that role. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) has agreed to co-sponsor the motion.
I just told Mike Johnson in conference that I’m cosponsoring the Motion to Vacate that was introduced by @RepMTG.
He should pre-announce his resignation (as Boehner did), so we can pick a new Speaker without ever being without a GOP Speaker.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) April 16, 2024
Spending is a contentious issue, even within the ranks of House Republicans, with the national debt set to top $35 trillion and federal spending routinely breaking new records. The federal government, in 2022, the most recent year for which accurate numbers are available, spent $395.5 billion on servicing the national debt.
We truly live in interesting times.
EDITOR’S NOTE: To stay fully up-to-date on the budget battle, spending, and many, many other issues, consider upgrading to a VIP account. VIP status will open a plethora of stories and podcasts here at RedState. And remember that a Gold-level account gets you access to all of our sister sites in Townhall Media: PJ Media, Twitchy, Hot Air, Bearing Arms, and Townhall.com. Use promo code SAVEAMERICA for a 50% discount.
