Internet weighs in as Biden implores Congress to pass Ukraine aid bill at luncheon hosted by House Speaker Mike Johnson

WASHINGTON, DC: During a joint appearance with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La) on Friday, March 15, President Joe Biden urged lawmakers to pass the proposed aid for embattled Ukraine, which currently faces an uphill battle at gaining traction on the House floor.

Speaking at the annual Friends of Ireland luncheon hosted by Johnson to celebrate St Patrick's Day, the POTUS conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for Ireland’s steadfast commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia and to the people of Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, according to The Hill.

President Joe Biden says Ukraine aid bill sends a clear message that America stands up for freedom

"I'm committed to continuing to do our part," Biden told the room of bipartisan representatives, adding, "I’m confident the vast majority — and excuse me for saying this — but I think a vast majority of members of Congress are willing to do their part. And I continue to urge every member in this room to stand up to Vladimir Putin. He’s a thug," as the audience applauded.

He urged the House of Representatives to approve the national security supplemental, which was passed by the Senate with a 67-32 vote in February.

The legislation includes a total of $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, as well as significant funding for Israel and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. However, Speaker Johnson has yet to bring the legislation up for a vote in the House.

Biden further declared, "It sends a clear message that America stands up for freedom and we bow down to no one. To no one in the world." 

Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseach of Ireland, expressed his support for the provision of aid to Ukraine in response to Russia's incursion, which began over two years ago in February 2022.

In this regard, he echoed the stance of President Biden, saying, "Ukraine must not fall, and together we need to stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes."

Speaker Mike Johnson notes the House is processing through all the various options right now

On Friday, the call from President Biden came when Speaker Johnson indicated that he intends to press forward with help for Ukraine but has not divulged details of the package, with a growing faction of his conference opposed to providing any support to the besieged US ally.

Johnson has stated that the chamber is currently focusing on accomplishing the government funding process first.

"I understand the timetable and I understand the urgency of the funding," said the House Speaker during this week's House GOP retreat in West Virginia.

He asserted that the lower chamber will "work the will of the House" and is "processing through all the various options right now," noting that the final outcome "may not look exactly like the Senate supplemental."

During the Republican senators' retreat this week, Johnson conveyed the same message, suggesting that aid be sent to Ukraine as a loan or through a lend-lease arrangement scheme.

It is noteworthy that the House Speaker did not mention whether the forthcoming Ukraine legislation would encompass US border security measures.

This is a departure from his prior position as he had insisted that any assistance for Ukraine should be linked to policies addressing the situation at the US southern border.

During a Thursday interview with Politico, Johnson expressed his belief that the House would pass Ukraine aid through a fast-track process that would necessitate Democratic support.

He also suggested separating assistance for Israel and Ukraine, but no mention was made as to whether provisions regarding border security would be included.

Internet reacts as President Joe Biden urges Congress to pass the Ukraine aid bill

One remarked, "That will be a NO! No more money for Ukraine," and another noted, "Have any of these 'leaders' considered looking at the peace agreement that was offered? How many more Ukrainians need to die for your money laundering proxy war? They are being kidnapped and forced to the front lines with no training, only to die shortly afterward. Enough!"

A person stated, "60 billion is hilarious," while someone else opined, "Of course he did. America last president." 

An individual declared, "Ask senate to pass hr2. America should come before any other countries!" highlighting to the bill that seeks to make various changes to immigration law. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.