U.S. House Speaker Says 'Important Innovations' Could Help Bring Hard-Liners Along On Ukraine Aid

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana) said he wants new Ukraine aid approved “right away” and cited “important innovations” to a potential assistance package that Kyiv said it desperately needs to battle against Russian forces. Speaking to Fox News, Johnson suggested a vote on a standalone supplemental bill could come soon after Congress returns from Easter recess on April 9. But he cautioned that he is still attempting to ease opposition to Ukraine aid and fend off possible moves to remove him from the speakership by his party’s hard-liners. Johnson said the "innovations" include making aid to Ukraine a loan instead of a grant and using seized Russian assets to provide funds for Ukraine.