A group of former lawmakers on Saturday sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) thanking him for moving forward with the foreign aid package the House is set to vote on.
“We realize the political danger this decision carries and are very thankful for your determination to prioritize our country’s national security over political convenience,” the lawmakers, including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) and former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), wrote in the letter. “There are many incorrect stories being spread from different political perspectives. Our allies deserve the definite and strong support that comes from working with the greatest country in the world.”
“Your call for America to reemerge as the country that defends freedom and opposes tyranny is an important one for our time,” they added. “This is not a discussion of American security versus international security, but rather one of confronting threats to American security wherever they appear.”
The letter comes as the House prepares to vote on a series of bills that would provide funding for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region, among other national security interests. The lower chamber advanced the spending package on Friday despite strong opposition from conservatives, opening up the possibility for debate on the legislation.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has also hit Johnson with a motion to vacate over additional funding for Ukraine, which the Speaker moved forward with the support of Democrats. At least two other GOP lawmakers have backed her resolution, but Greene has not moved to force a vote on whether to oust Johnson or said when she plans to do so.
The former lawmakers pushed back against the internal division in their letter, warning it is only a “distraction” for the enemy.
“These forces of evil are not only attacking our friends and allies, they are attacking America itself through our allies,” the letter reads, pointing to the conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. “Furthermore, they are counting on our internal political divisions to provide the distraction that allows them to get away with it. We must ensure that calculation proves woefully misguided.”
“Now is the time to acknowledge that our freedom to engage in robust debate — and even dissent — depends on our courage to stand together against our common threats,” they continued. “The world needs America now more than ever to unite our allies and defend our friends who are under direct attack from our enemies.”
The letter was signed by more than 30 former lawmakers and other advocates for additional aid to Ukraine.
Republican divisions have become routine this Congress, as conservatives have sought to press GOP leaders to fight harder for Republican priorities — the dynamic that led to the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) last October.
But, the signatories said the decision to pass more aid to the embattled country is based on a choice: “Supporting our allies to ensure victory or risk being drawn into a larger scale war
that, as you mentioned, will attract American soldiers.”
“Some will keep saying this money is for global security. Stating something doesn't make it true,” the lawmakers concluded. “The current dangers our allies are facing also threaten America, and we need to respond to this situation.”
