Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo joined prominent Republicans in advocating for the passage of billions in aid for Ukraine on Monday.
The push for aid intensified amid accusations that some Republicans were influenced by Russian propaganda, delaying necessary assistance to Ukraine.
President Joe Biden‘s $95 billion aid request for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies gained strong support in the Senate but has stalled in the House of Representatives.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has refrained from scheduling a vote on the aid package, sparking criticism.
Pompeo, along with John Walter, president of the Hudson Institute, penned a letter urging House Speaker Johnson to bring the aid bill to a vote.
However, Johnson’s office remained silent on the matter despite assertions from Republican leaders that Russian propaganda was impacting party members’ decisions.
Representative Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned of Russian propaganda’s influence on the GOP base. He expressed concern that misinformation was obstructing vital aid efforts for Ukraine.
Turner highlighted Russia’s attempts to spread misleading narratives, complicating efforts to address the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Turner emphasized that some Republican lawmakers were inaccurately portraying the conflict as solely a matter concerning NATO, further muddling the situation.
Such misinformation, Turner argued, undermined the distinction between authoritarian regimes and democratic nations.
The delay in passing the aid package underscores the urgency of addressing Russian disinformation campaigns and ensuring timely assistance for Ukraine. As lawmakers reconvene, the debate over aid allocation continues amidst concerns over foreign influence on domestic policy.
