Why Can Speaker Johnson Block All Votes for Ukraine? – December Q&A
Video Summary
A constitutional conundrum has emerged in the US regarding aid to Ukraine. Despite bipartisan support, Speaker Johnson has refused to schedule a vote on continued aid. This is due to a unique aspect of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the power to make its own rules. The speaker’s role in setting the agenda and advancing bills was established to prevent chaos and disorder in the House of Representatives. However, there are checks and balances, such as elections every two years, which can lead to a change in leadership if the majority abuses their power.
The Budapest Memorandum, signed in 1994, is not a treaty and has no legal standing in the US or Ukraine. It was a promise made by President Bill Clinton to Ukraine’s leader, but it has been largely ignored by subsequent presidents. The US can still provide aid to Ukraine without congressional approval through the presidential drawdown authority, which allows the president to allocate a certain amount of funds annually for emergency situations.
In the meantime, other countries, such as Israel and South Korea, are already providing military aid to Ukraine. The US needs to stay engaged and involved to prevent a drying up of American funding.
View this Ukraine War Video at Youtube
Related posts:
Precarious road to Republican US support of Ukraine runs through evangelicals
“No appetite for further Ukraine funding” House Speaker Johnson expresses fatigue over war in Ukraine
House Speaker has no 'appetite' for more US support for Ukraine
As the Baltics raise the alarm about Russia, Washington still not listening
Ukraine state-owned enterprises weekly — Issue 152
Ukraine braces for winter freeze amid potential Russian strikes targeting nuclear power
Russo-Ukrainian war, day 980: Ukraine developing “Plan B” as Western support shows uncertainty
Why Ukraine can’t provide a clear strategy to Mike Johnson
