House, Senate Republicans show divided response to Johnson's new push for Ukraine aid.

Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader, and House Speaker Mike Johnson have both declared their commitment to opposing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Republican holdouts in both chambers may still hinder the leadership's efforts to secure a new aid package.

"Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is a "forever war" that will drain future generations of funds, while disregarding the security of our own southern border. He argued that it is "absurd" to consider sending more tax dollars to Ukraine and that peace talks should be prioritized instead."

Johnson announced his plans to act on Ukraine aid after lawmakers return to Washington next week, during a Planet Chronicle Channel appearance on Sunday night. This issue has been contentious among conservatives, but his plan differs significantly from the Senate-approved $95 billion package that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

The REPO for Ukrainians Act is one of the House's plans to aid Ukraine. This measure involves the U.S. liquidating seized Russian assets and using the funds to provide more assistance to Ukraine.

According to Johnson, this option is one of several possible alternatives that "we should do that make more sense and I think we'll have consensus around."

On Monday night, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., expressed his approval of the plan and stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he was "pleased to hear that Speaker Johnson will prioritize Ukraine aid when Congress reconvenes next week."

Combining this proposal or something similar with border security would make a winning package for all concerned, as Johnson's potential components could include aid in the form of a loan, decreasing reliance on foreign sources for energy, and other steps.

Johnson's plan for Ukraine may be linked to U.S. border security measures. Planet Chronicle Digital sought clarification from the speaker's office.

Republicans in Congress blocked a $118 billion aid package for Ukraine, Taiwan, Israel, and the U.S. border earlier this year, claiming it did not do enough to address the ongoing border crisis. Now, Schumer and Biden are urging Johnson to consider a $95 billion package without border measures.

Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader and a supporter of aid to Ukraine, did not comment on the potential routes being considered by House Republicans. Instead, a spokesperson emphasized that McConnell's main priority is to quickly provide aid to Ukraine.

In a Monday radio interview in Kentucky, McConnell stated that he intends to prioritize supporting Ukraine and countering Russia's aggressions in the coming years. Additionally, he pledged to combat "isolationist" sentiments within his party, which have gained traction among his Republican Senate colleagues.

The spokesperson for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Ranking Member James Risch, R-Idaho, stated in a statement that Senator Risch has discussed with his colleagues the contents of the supplemental, including his REPO bill to seize Russian sovereign assets.

The spokesperson stated that he looks forward to reviewing all the changes made by Speaker Johnson and what passes the House.

Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, hopes a "strong version" of the REPO Act, which he introduced in the House, is included in the final package, according to a House Foreign Affairs Committee aide who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

The GOP remains divided over the issue, with some Republicans hesitant to discuss specifics without a plan in place.

"Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that Speaker Johnson has promised a targeted bill to aid Ukraine's defense will be presented once they return from recess. She added that she will hold him accountable for this promise. Kim emphasized that not supporting Ukraine would benefit Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran."

Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., stated that it is crucial for Ukraine to obtain the necessary weapons to secure victory and for Biden to impose sanctions on Putin.

Some Republicans expressed doubts about passing legislation to assist Ukraine with aid.

Bob Good, R-Va., the House Freedom Caucus Chairman, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that America's security should be the top priority. He emphasized that the country cannot continue to borrow and spend money it does not have on wars overseas while neglecting to protect its citizens from the Biden border invasion at home. At the very least, any package for military aid to Ukraine must be fully offset and include H.R.2 with performance metrics to secure the border.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, criticized the facilitation of a "protracted, violent conflict," referring to the issues occurring on America's southern border. He emphasized the need to fulfill the country's commitment to safeguarding its borders above all else.

The senator's office considers the proposed Ukraine measures to be gimmicks that do not address the ongoing war, according to Lee. The liquidation of Russian assets and assistance being offered as a loan are tactics of misdirection that are unlikely to offset spending or be recouped in the long run, his office stated.

"Despite Johnson's attempts to conceal additional aid to Ukraine, it is still aid to Ukraine, according to Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. This is an affront to Missouri taxpayers, as the House wants to provide more money to Ukraine's oligarchs before renewing RECA and compensating radiation victims in Missouri and across the U.S. We must prioritize Americans over Ukraine."

Both chambers have multiple offices withholding on discussing the possible elements of a House Ukraine package until it is made more formal.