Speaker Mike Johnson’s efforts to push forward funding for Ukraine, Israel, and other international allies faced a serious setback as some conservatives demanded border provisions in exchange for their support.

Democrats prepared a backup plan to ensure aid passage.

Johnson, facing challenges within his own party, saw his political influence wane, with some Republicans even seeking to remove him from the speaker position.

Despite Johnson’s proposal to provide aid to U.S. allies through four bills, including measures to use assets from Russian oligarchs to support Kyiv, Republicans remained divided, particularly on the absence of immigration policy provisions or funding for border security, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Johnson engaged in extensive discussions with Republican lawmakers to find a path forward, but finalizing the proposal and scheduling a vote by the end of the week seemed uncertain.

The urgency for House action on foreign aid escalated following recent events, including Iran’s attack on Israel and deteriorating conditions in Ukraine.

Written by B.C. Begley