Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) emphasized that the U.S. southern border should come first in negotiations with Democrats over aid for Ukraine, as senators show increasing doubt that the two sides can reach a compromise by the end of the year.
“I think the American people agree with us that national security begins at our own borders,” Johnson told radio host Hugh Hewitt on Tuesday. “We have to maintain our own sovereignty, that we can project peace through strength and help our friends. And so I don’t think that’s an outrageous request.”
Republicans have held up a supplemental budget request that includes billions in Ukraine aid until Democrats agree to a border security package that includes broader changes to immigration law. But negotiations have made slow progress, dimming hopes of a deal during the holiday season.
Democrats say defeating Russia in Ukraine is vital to U.S. national security interests.
“Here we are on the eve, virtually, of Christmas and the end of the year, and the White House, as we talk this morning, has not moved in our direction on that issue,” Johnson said. “And I’ve told them very clearly where we stand.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Washington this week to meet with top lawmakers and ply the case for Ukraine aid. He will meet Tuesday with Johnson, senators and President Biden.
The White House said Biden is open to negotiation on the issue, but Johnson said the administration is not taking it seriously. The Speaker said while he supports Ukraine against Russia, he requires significant oversight on funding.
“We stand with Ukraine against Putin’s aggression. Everyone understands that he must be stopped. This is a very serious issue,” he said. “But the White House is seeking billions in funding on that issue.”
“They haven’t given us any clear strategy, no appropriate oversight,” he continued. “They’ve not explained to us what the endgame is.”
Johnson said the House would happily and quickly pass a foreign aid deal if the border negotiations are solved.
“We understand the dire situation that we’re in. But the White House has to take care of our nation, and they’re not doing it,” he said. “And that’s why our constituents are demanding answers, and that’s why we have to hold the line on this. We’ve got to force their hand to stem the flow at our southern border.”
Johnson also warned that he will send the House home for the holidays soon if Democrats can’t agree on a border security deal.
“I don’t know what else to do. I’m not going to have everybody sit here through Christmas twiddling their thumbs,” he said.
“You know, we’re willing to work,” he continued. “The House members will work. We’ve shown that over and over and over, but we’re not getting any cooperation from the White House and the Senate Democrats at all.”