In a stunning display on Saturday afternoon, House Democrats waved Ukrainian flags and chanted in support of Ukraine after the passage of a $60 billion aid package. The bill, known as the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, passed 311-112 — and a minority of House Republicans — with the acquiescence of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).
On the X platform, formerly Twitter, footage showed exuberant Democrats brandishing flags, a move rebuked by several Republican members. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) demanded on the House floor, “Put those damn flags away!”
Johnson, who had previously pledged to prioritize domestic issues like border security, faced harsh criticism for his role in advancing the bill. His statement, “I’ve done here what I believe to be the right thing,” did little to quell the frustration among his party members.
🚨Democrats are handing out Ukrainian flags on the Floor of the US House right now. 20 minutes ago, they voted against securing the US border. Now, they are on the Floor waving a foreign flag.
— Mary Miller (@Miller_Congress) April 20, 2024
I think Rand Paul said it best in his recent interview with Maria Bartiromo. pic.twitter.com/EVm5MV1U8v
— FoxProMAGA (@FoxProMAGA) April 21, 2024
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) expressed her dissatisfaction outside the Capitol, emphasizing the misplaced priorities: “When we had members of Congress waving the Ukrainian flag on the United States House of Representatives floor, while we’re doing nothing to secure our border. I think every American in this country should be furious.”
This is the U.S. House of Representatives under the direction of Speaker Mike Johnson. Democrats are celebrating his total capitulation with no victory for securing our border. #MTV pic.twitter.com/TtaIgnX9eg
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) April 20, 2024
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who has co-sponsored Greene’s motion to remove Johnson as Speaker, told reporters, “This is the U.S. House of Representatives under the direction of Speaker Mike Johnson. Democrats are celebrating his total capitulation with no victory for securing our border.”
The aid package to Ukraine, including stipulations for defense and repayment agreements, has sparked a debate over American fiscal priorities and foreign policy. Critics argue that it represents a significant oversight in addressing domestic concerns, particularly border security, a keystone promise of the GOP majority.
Handing out Ukrainian flags (most likely made in China) on the floor of the US House may be the most fitting symbolism of the American regime I’ve ever seen.
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) April 20, 2024
When CNN is giving you headline line this, in exchange for betraying your honor, to rush through a bill supported by Chuck Schumer and Joe Biden, then you might not be on the side you claim to be. @SpeakerJohnson https://t.co/Fr8GP1h0GJ
— Cernovich (@Cernovich) April 21, 2024
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), among others, have voiced their opposition on X, criticizing the decision to focus on Ukraine’s borders over America’s.
Mace wrote: “The only flag that should be flying on the floor of the U.S. House is the AMERICAN FLAG!”
Paul posted: “Ukrainian flags fly in the chamber of the UNITED STATES House of Representatives as they vote to send more of your hard-earned money to a corrupt foreign regime. And just like that they shout “UKRAINE! UKRAINE!” while happily working to secure Ukraine’s borders, not ours.”
The legislative session ended with heightened tensions within the Republican Party, reflecting a deeper ideological split between traditional conservatives and those urging a more nationalist, America-first approach. America First Republicans are reaching a boiling point with Johnson’s infidelity to the conservative base that demands immediate and meaningful action to secure the nation’s borders in response to the Biden administration’s utter failure to enforce federal immigration law.
Saturday’s shameful display is a crossroads for Johnson and the Republican Party if it hopes to maintain a majority in the House or retake control of the Senate after this November’s elections.
