Standing next to the crackling fireplace in the lobby adjacent to the House chamber, GOP Representative Don Bacon from Nebraska took a moment to reflect on the ongoing efforts to secure funding for Ukraine in the House, stating, "I believe we are engaged in a strategic game of chess here."
However, the next move remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Congressman Bacon, along with 14 of his House colleagues, is embarking on an unconventional, innovative, and, according to critics, a challenging endeavor to push for a vote on emergency financial assistance to Ukraine. This bipartisan coalition of House members has endorsed a formal "discharge petition" aimed at allocating billions of dollars in aid to the conflict-ridden Ukraine, where resources and weaponry are rapidly depleting.
The discharge petition, spearheaded by Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick from suburban Philadelphia, represents a modern iteration of a seldom successful parliamentary tactic utilized to compel a House vote on a proposal that faces opposition or impediments from House leadership.
Requiring 218 signatures to trigger a floor vote, the petition has garnered only 15 endorsements thus far, with Representative Fitzpatrick among the signatories. Despite the modest support, proponents are optimistic about its potential success. In an interview with CBS News, Fitzpatrick expressed confidence in a forthcoming "breakthrough" that will usher in a surge of backing and signatures.
Fitzpatrick expressed to CBS News that the current option is the most favorable one available at the moment. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, he stated, "Ukraine is destitute right now." Fitzpatrick also mentioned that if party leaders approve his petition, a surge of signatures would quickly follow.
"I'm constantly in discussions with individuals from both sides," Fitzpatrick added.
Meanwhile, Democrats have been pushing for their own discharge petition to be brought to the floor. This petition aims to prompt a vote on the Senate national security bill, which includes funding for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. However, Johnson has blocked a vote on this petition, citing the lack of provisions to enhance security at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Amid the House's current state of dysfunction, many contentious votes are being conducted outside of the usual rules and procedures. To navigate the obstacles and floor protocols that have hindered progress in the House, Republican leaders have been passing significant legislation through a method known as a suspension of the rules. This process necessitates a supermajority of nearly 290 votes, requiring support from members of both parties, to pass legislation.
Fitzpatrick's proposed discharge petition would only need 218 votes to approve the funds for Ukraine, significantly increasing the likelihood of passage, according to supporters. Bacon remarked, "If we pursue this avenue, it won't succeed," in reference to a vote under the suspension of the rules. "Now, we'll only need 218 votes."
House Republicans Consider Providing Ukraine Aid as a Loan
One idea that has gained steam among House Republicans is sending Ukraine aid in the form of a loan. Former President Donald Trump suggested the idea in a Truth Social post in February, and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said he discussed the idea of a "no-interest, waivable loan" with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a recent meeting.
The House is expected to leave Washington for a two-week district work period beginning this weekend. At a press conference Wednesday, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell argued the House should move with urgency and swiftly approve a Senate-passed bill that would provide tens of billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine.
Some of the 15 signatories to the House discharge petition expressed confidence to CBS News that a vote on Ukraine financial aid would be certain to pass in the House, once a vote is permitted. Rep. Jenn Kiggans, a first-term Republican who represents a large Navy community in Southeast Virginia, told CBS News she is hoping the petition speeds up the debate and the decision on Ukraine. Kiggans said, "It's the only mechanism I have right now. I'm hopeful that our leadership is going to listen."
"We are the world's superpower," Kiggans said. "We need to be there for our friends."
The effort won a new signature Wednesday, from GOP Rep. Brandon Williams, who represents a swing district in central New York.
Fitzpatrick told CBS News his discharge petition is built for flexibility. The specifics of the aid package and the proposal could be broadened before it goes to the House floor for a vote, potentially expanding to include further border security provisions or aid to the Middle East. "I just have a tremendous sense of urgency, and I wish my colleagues would join me."
Bacon, who compared the strategy to a chess maneuver, said House leadership can move the legislative pieces too.
"They can revise our bill and do what they need to do," Bacon told CBS News.
