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Republican Rep. Don Bacon (Neb.) ripped into his colleagues who oppose further funding for Ukraine, arguing they “would like to see” Russia win the more than two-year war against Kyiv.
“Now for Ukraine, they have no more artillery. If we do not do this, the Russians will be in Kyiv. Unfortunately, a few of my colleagues would like to see the Russians win. I don’t know why that is the case. I think it’s a terrible thing,” Bacon said in an interview with C-SPAN.
His remarks come as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) attempts to move forward a series of foreign aid bills that would include funding for Ukraine, Israel, allies in the Indo-Pacific and other national security priorities. Votes on separate portions of the package are expected by this weekend.
The move to bring Ukraine aid to the floor was quickly criticized by some members of the House’s right flank, who argue funding should be geared towards domestic issues, including the country’s southern border security.
“Ukraine wants to be free. They want to have a free market economy. They want to be part of the West and it can be a game changer for Europe, for Ukraine to do that,” Bacon said. “We should help them on that path.”
Johnson is facing mounting scrutiny from House conservatives who are pressing him to use the GOP’s House majority to clinch greater Republican victories.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) introduced a motion to vacate Johnson from the Speakership last month over his handling of government spending and move to bring Ukraine aid to the floor.
Bacon acknowledged the possibility of Johnson being booted from the top spot but expressed confidence that the Speaker’s support would save him from any motion to vacate.
“I believe it may happen, but I think there’s enough support that Speaker Johnson is going to remain and he should,” Bacon said. “He’s been a good man. He’s a man of character. He’s trying to do the right thing whether you always agree with him or not.”
“He means well. He’s trying his best, he has a good compass, moral compass and he seeks the need to get this done,” he continued.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas.) expressed a similar sentiment to CNN earlier in the day, arguing those behind the motion to vacate are siding with Russia.
“I guess their reasoning is that they want Russia to win so badly that they want to oust the Speaker over it,” Crenshaw said Thursday. “I mean, it’s a strange position to take.”
