Progressive lawmakers vow to sink Senate's emergency funding bill over Israel funds
Of all the issues plaguing America, Democrats continue to scramble to get billions of taxpayer dollars to the frontlines in Ukraine.
According to Politico, in the wake of a $95 billion emergency funding bill clearing the Senate, a number of progressive lawmakers are worrying Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other party leaders as they plan to vote against it in the House due to the funding for Israel the measure includes.
The outlet reported that Democrat leaders are "taking the pulse" of House Dems to see if they would "back forcing a vote on the Senate-passed national security bill through a discharge petition amid ongoing gridlock."
The discharge petition idea was brought forth by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who has vowed to deploy "all options" to break the "logjam" holding up the bill.
A discharge petition might not be possible, though, given that it would require a majority of the House to sign on to, and if progressive lawmakers stick to their word, that means Democrats would somehow have to corral extra Republican support, which is unlikely to happen.
Politico noted:
Thatβs prompted leading Democrats to now do the rounds to ask where lawmakers stand on the discharge petition, according to the two people familiar, granted anonymity to speak candidly about internal caucus dynamics.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) recently made clear that she would not support the bill in its current form, given the money allotted for Israel without conditions.
"I'm not voting for it. And I'm not signing onto the discharge petition," Omar said.
Other "Squad" members hinted that they wouldn't support the discharge petition, either, meaning Democrats will likely struggle to make it happen, as zero Republicans have committed to signing on.
The situation has brought pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), whom Democrats have pushed to bring the legislation to the House floor using his own powers.
Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin wants to push the $95 billion bill to a vote in the House by using a discharge petition if Mike Johnson doesnβt introduce it. He is encouraging Republicans to sign the discharge petition even though he voted no in the Senate. pic.twitter.com/6g2SrIHzin
β πΏππ π·ππππππβ’οΈ (@CL4WS_OUT) February 14, 2024
However, Johnson isn't a fan of it, as the current language quashes any border security-related provisions.
The entire thing could end up in the trash heap if Democrats can't find a way to compromise with Republicans or appease the progressive wing of the party.
Only time will tell if it ends up in total embarrassment for Schumer. It's looking that way.