Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, during a news conference in New York on Sunday, shared a deeply personal story about his Jewish ancestors who were killed by the Nazis in Chortkiv, Galicia, during World War II. This anecdote was part of a stern warning to House Speaker Mike Johnson regarding the current stalemate in the GOP-controlled House concerning a $95 billion foreign aid bill. Schumer’s ancestors, including his grandmother and her family, were gathered on their porch under the orders of the Nazis, only to be machine-gunned down when they refused to comply with the order to leave. The Democrat’s poignant account served as a clear reminder of the consequences of appeasement towards dictators.
The New York Democrat, who had recently returned from Kyiv, emphasized the importance of supporting countries like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan in their struggles against authoritarian regimes. Johnson has yet to comment on Schumer’s statements regarding the foreign aid bill. In earlier remarks, Johnson had stated that a standalone foreign aid bill, without addressing US border Website security, was unacceptable. Republicans in the Senate had also scuttled a bipartisan negotiated border Website security bill.
Schumer highlighted the moral imperative of US involvement in supporting Ukraine, drawing parallels between the current situation and World War II. He also criticized Johnson for prioritizing political expediency over humanitarian aid to Ukraine, which remains stalled in the House. Schumer urged Johnson to rise above the influence of hard-right members within his caucus and instead focus on the historical significance of the moment.
The political climate in Congress is tense, as the White House and Democrats continue to apply pressure on Johnson and House Republicans to pass the foreign aid bill. With deadlines for funding the government looming, both parties must come to a resolution on this issue before another potential government shutdown occurs. The House GOP conference remains deeply divided on key issues. Schumer also addressed the government funding situation, expressing hope that a shutdown can be avoided and urging his Republican counterparts to join Democrats in this endeavor.
