A Light in the House: Farewell to a Senate Friend
"Every single member (will) vote their conscience."
Conscience, did you say? House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) words cut cleanly through the House of Representatives noise. Seldom are they told to rise above the partisan rabble.
After months of darkness and delay, Johnson did the right thing for the nation and world. He opened the gate for Ukraine aid in its perilous war with Russia.
Johnson, 52, deserves credit for refusing to "play politics" as he allowed a grave vote to advance.
"History judges us," he stated in an emotional voice. "I believe (Russian president) Putin would continue to march through Europe."
The CIA chief's urgent briefing convinced Johnson, but so did a personal matter. His son will be a first-year "plebe" at the Naval Academy.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told Johnson he would always regret not answering Ukraine's call for help.
Ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Ca.) never appealed to the good heart and sense of lawmakers. Everything he did was to keep his job. Ironically, the slippery McCarthy lost his job in a far-right rebellion.
Johnson stood up to shrill pressure and threats from Chip Roy (R-Texas), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). Stumbling blocks all, they are allied with former President Donald Trump's isolationist view of a world without our leadership.
America's $60 billion could make all the difference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in grateful thanks. Still, it's not coming a moment too soon after Ukraine lost ground this winter.
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