Johnson to put on floor Ukraine aid bill on April 20, Biden promises to sign it immediately

House Speaker Mike Johnson will put the US bill, which includes aid to Ukraine, to a vote on Saturday, April 20. US President Joe Biden promised to sign the document immediately

CNN reports this.

It is noted that Johnson faced significant pressure “from hardliners.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives says he is sticking to his plan to bring forward a number of foreign aid bills, including funding for Ukraine, after facing significant pressure.

"Johnson said in a note to members that they will vote on these Saturday evening," CNN writes.

"With Republicans only controlling the House by a razor-thin margin, Johnson may need Democrats to pass the foreign aid bills – and save his job should the motion to vacate come to the floor," the article concludes.

What does the US aid package include?

The House of Representatives has published the text of a draft law that provides nearly $61 billion in aid to Ukraine.

According to the bill, after it comes into force, US President Joe Biden is to transfer ATACMS missiles to Ukraine as soon as possible.

However, if the head of the White House decides that the provision of long-range missile systems will threaten the national security and interests of his country, he can withhold this decision.

Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, has released details of a bill to support Ukraine.

Defense expenditures in the amount of $49.9 billion are envisaged:

In addition, funding is provided:

The $9.5 billion is earmarked for economic assistance to Ukraine and countries affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine:

Allocations are also provided:

The draft law provides for additional funding to assist Ukraine and respond to the situation related to the Russian invasion, among other things:

The text also strengthens oversight through monitoring requirements; requires partners and allies to provide cost-compensated assistance; provides for an agreement with the government of Ukraine on the return of funds provided for economic support; and increases the limits under the PDA mechanism.

At the same time, the draft law stipulates that no later than 60 days after the law comes into force, Biden must sign an agreement with the Ukrainian government on the return of the funds provided.

Joe Biden's reaction

US President Joe Biden promised to support Johnson's bills on aid to Ukraine and Israel.

“I strongly support this package…Ukraine is facing continued bombardment from Russia that has intensified dramatically in the last month. The House must pass the package this week and the Senate should quickly follow. I will sign this into law immediately to send a message to the world: We stand with our friends, and we won’t let Iran or Russia succeed,” the statement reads.