Johnson proceeds with Ukraine aid bill despite opposition from hardliners.

 Johnson proceeds with Ukraine aid bill despite opposition from hardliners.

By Lauren Fox, Haley Talbot, Melanie Zanona, and Michelle Shen, CNN

Read time: 7 minutes

Last updated: 2:50 PM EDT, Wednesday, April 17, 2024

House Speaker Mike Johnson, accompanied by House Republican leaders, attended a private Republican strategy session at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. During this session, Johnson discussed advancing separate votes on aid for Israel and Ukraine. J. Scott Applewhite/AP Washington CNN — On Wednesday, Speaker Mike Johnson reaffirmed his commitment to proceed with a series of foreign aid bills, including funding for Ukraine, despite considerable opposition from hardliners.

Johnson informed members in a memo that votes will be held on Saturday evening.

"After considerable feedback and discussions, the House Rules Committee will soon release the text of three bills aimed at funding America's national security interests and allies in Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and Ukraine. This includes a loan-based aid structure for Ukraine, alongside enhanced strategy and accountability measures," Johnson stated in the memo.

The three-part supplemental package closely mirrors the Senate’s bill in several key aspects, notably including over $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and other global conflict zones, a critical component for Democrats.

Collectively, the bills provide roughly $95 billion in aid, matching the total from the Senate's version. This includes $10 billion in economic assistance for Ukraine, structured as a repayable loan, ensuring continued governmental operations during the conflict.

These loans comprise about $7.9 billion in economic aid for Ukraine and an additional $1.6 billion for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia, contingent on an agreement with Kyiv for repayment. The administration may opt to cancel this debt if deemed necessary, according to a knowledgeable source.

The fight over the bills – and the potential for right-wing members of the GOP to attempt to oust Johnson over it – adds up to the most intense pressure that the speaker has faced over his future in his short time in the role. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky on Tuesday said he would co-sponsor Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s motion to vacate, which would boot Johnson from the speakership if it passed, leading the speaker to defiantly tell reporters that he would not be resigning.

The loan structure around aid comes after a meeting and news conference with Johnson and former President Donald Trump, GHR. That weekend, Johnson earned full-throated support from Trump at a perilous time in his speakership.

Johnson had announced Monday evening the House will take up separate bills this week to provide aid for Israel and Ukraine, heeding demands from the far right to keep the issues separate. But the final product is expected to be lumped together as one big package that will be sent to the Senate, according to sources familiar. The House can do this though an arcane procedure, something that is enraging the right wing of the Republican party but it’s what Democrats have been insisting on as a condition of their support.

The Speaker has been under increasing pressure to modify the foreign aid package he proposed earlier this week, and not only from his most conservative members. Since Tuesday's caucus meeting, members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus have been vocal about their concerns regarding border security and the foreign aid bills, with these concerns now echoing among more mainstream members.

Moderate New York Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis advised the Speaker on Wednesday to "go back to Biden & Schumer and tell them he needs a border security measure to pass foreign aid." In response, Johnson mentioned in his letter to members that he plans to introduce an immigration bill similar to the House's HR 2.

However, a number of far-right House Republicans quickly dismissed the border bill that Johnson said would accompany the foreign aid bills set for a vote on Saturday, dashing any hopes that the border provisions would satisfy the Speaker's right-wing critics.

The border bill, which carries the main elements of another House-passed border package stalled in the Senate, was essentially a strategic move by Johnson to address his colleagues' demands for border security. However, it seems this approach is failing to garner the necessary support.

Greene, who is spearheading the campaign to remove Johnson, criticized him on X, stating: “You are seriously out of step with Republicans by continuing to pass bills dependent on Democrats. Everyone sees through this.”

Conservative hardliners swiftly expressed their displeasure with Johnson for proceeding with billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, sternly cautioning him that it could jeopardize his position.

An irate Rep. Chip Roy from Texas expressed his disappointment in the Speaker, stating, "I am very disappointed in the speaker, and I am past the point of giving grace."

When CNN asked if it was time for Johnson to step down, Roy responded, "I need a little bit more time today, but it is not looking good."

Greene, who is at the forefront of the movement to remove Johnson, voiced on X: "You are seriously out of step with Republicans by continuing to pass bills reliant on Democrats. Everyone sees through this."

Conservative hardliners quickly showed their displeasure with Johnson's decision to proceed with billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, starkly warning him that it could endanger his position.

A visibly upset Rep. Chip Roy from Texas expressed his disillusionment, stating, "I am very disappointed in the speaker, and I am past the point of giving grace."

When CNN asked if it was time for Johnson to resign, Roy replied, "I need a little bit more time today, but it's not looking good."

Firebrand Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz criticized Johnson’s decision to proceed with the foreign aid bills, describing it as “surrender,” and pledged to vote against the package and actively encourage others to do the same. Additional Republicans also expressed their displeasure and did not dismiss the possibility of voting against Johnson on procedural motions that could derail the bill.

Given the Republicans' razor-thin control of the House, Johnson will likely need Democratic support to pass the foreign aid bills—and to retain his position should a motion to vacate the speakership arise.

House Democrats are holding off on their commitment to support procedural votes on the aid package until they confirm it includes a critical component for them: $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and other global conflict zones. This aid, important to Democrats, also targets needs in Sudan, Haiti, and other regions.

At a caucus meeting on Tuesday, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized to his caucus that they would not settle for less than the stipulated amount of humanitarian aid.

Firebrand Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz criticized Johnson’s decision to proceed with the foreign aid bills, describing it as “surrender,” and pledged to vote against the package and actively encourage others to do the same. Additional Republicans also expressed their displeasure and did not dismiss the possibility of voting against Johnson on procedural motions that could derail the bill.

Given the Republicans' razor-thin control of the House, Johnson will likely need Democratic support to pass the foreign aid bills—and to retain his position should a motion to vacate the speakership arise.

House Democrats are holding off on their commitment to support procedural votes on the aid package until they confirm it includes a critical component for them: $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and other global conflict zones. This aid, important to Democrats, also targets needs in Sudan, Haiti, and other regions.

At a caucus meeting on Tuesday, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized to his caucus that they would not settle for less than the stipulated amount of humanitarian aid.

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**WNBA Draft 2024: Details on Date, Time, Schedule, Key Players, Draft Order, and Venue**  

By Kurt Helin  

Published April 15, 2024, 09:30 AM  

As Caitlin Clark’s popularity soars—highlighted by her memorable battles with stars like Angel Reece and Kamilla Cardoso—is women’s basketball witnessing its own "Bird vs. Magic" moment? And more importantly, can the WNBA leverage this surge in interest?

This pressing question will begin to be answered Monday night at the WNBA Draft in Brooklyn. While Caitlin Clark's selection is almost certain, the real intrigue is just starting. Here’s your guide to the 2024 WNBA Draft.

**Where is the WNBA Draft 2024?**  

The eagerly awaited WNBA Draft will commence at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, April 15. It is set to be held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York, marking the first time the draft will host a live audience.

 How can I watch the WNBA Draft 2024?**  

ESPN will televise the 2024 WNBA Draft, starting with a preview show at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, the draft can be streamed on ESPN+.

Which team has the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft?**  

The Indiana Fever will make the first overall pick for the second consecutive year following their win in the WNBA Draft Lottery. Last year, they selected Aliyah Boston from South Carolina, who went on to win the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year.

Which team will Caitlin Clark join?**  

Caitlin Clark is expected to be the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever. This choice is straightforward for Indiana because:  

1) Pairing Clark’s perimeter play with last year’s No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston’s inside game positions the Fever as future title contenders;  

2) Clark's impact on ticket, sponsorship, and merchandise sales, including jersey sales, practically guarantees her selection. Accordingly, most of the Fever's games next season are already scheduled for national television broadcast.

2024 WNBA Mock Draft: Caitlin Clark to Indiana Fever, Angel Reese to Chicago Sky**

How much will Caitlin Clark earn in the WNBA?**  

As the No. 1 pick, Clark will earn a base salary of $76,535. However, she is expected to make substantially more from sponsorships and endorsements, with projections from her final year at Iowa suggesting earnings over $3 million from name and licensing deals. The revenue she generates from jersey sales alone could reach millions for the Indiana Fever and the WNBA.

Despite these impressive numbers, the base salary in the WNBA remains modest compared to potential endorsements; the highest WNBA salary this season will be $241,984.

What is the WNBA Draft order?**  

The WNBA Draft consists of three rounds. The first round order is as follows:  

1. Indiana Fever  

2. Los Angeles Sparks  

3. Chicago Sky (from Phoenix)  

4. Los Angeles Sparks (from Seattle)  

5. Dallas Wings (from Chicago)  

6. Washington Mystics  

7. Chicago Sky (from Minnesota via Los Angeles)  

8. Minnesota Lynx  

9. Dallas Wings  

10. Connecticut Sun  

11. New York Liberty  

12. Atlanta Dream (from Las Vegas, via Los Angeles)

Who are the key players to watch?**  

Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, and Angel Reese are among the top talents, each bringing unique skills and potentials to the WNBA. Their success will depend on their ability to transition their collegiate excellence to the professional level.

WNBA Draft Reality**  

While the draft will spotlight top prospects, it's important to note that many players selected may not secure a spot in the league. Last season, only eight of the 36 drafted players were on opening day rosters. The WNBA's competitive nature and limited roster spots make it the toughest league to break into, often pushing players to develop their skills overseas.