John James Goes Against Republican Party, Fellow Macomb Rep. McClain, In Supporting Ukraine Aid Bill – Macomb Daily

U.S. Rep. John James, a Republican from Shelby Township, attends a news conference Monday in Harrison Township. MACOMB DAILY PHOTO

U.S. Representative John James broke with Republicans and voted in favor of providing $61 billion in aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia, as well as $26 billion in arms aid to Israel for its war with Hamas and humanitarian aid to Gaza.

James, a Republican from Shelby Township, spoke forcefully Monday about providing aid to the two U.S. allies following Saturday’s votes in Congress, which raised a total of $95 billion, including $8 billion in aid to Taiwan and other U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region. , although James did not cast a vote on aid to Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

James said when he was growing up, “colors didn’t work then and they don’t work now,” noting that the relief effort requires President Biden to better define America’s role in the conflict.

“Under no circumstances can we allow Russian T-72 tanks to roll into Kiev (Ukraine),” James said. “America keeps its promises to our allies, but we also keep our promises to the Americans. Joe Biden owes America an answer for a mission, objectives and an end state, none less than the one I would have given my own officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) before we went into battle when I was in Iraq.”

James is an Army veteran who served in Iraq.

Regarding aid to Israel, he said the United States must “stand unequivocally with Israel.”

“There should be no daylight between the United States of America and Israel, because if there is any courage from Iran, you will see that Hamas is not willing to negotiate or even provide figures on how many hostages are still alive,” he said. he.

He criticized the Biden administration for failing to enforce sanctions on Iran.

Democrat Carl Marlinga, who lost to James two years ago and wants to face him again in November, criticized James for not making an effort to put the relief package to a vote earlier. James could have circumvented Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s several-month delay in bringing the matter to a vote by having just two other Republicans side with him.

“This delay in transmitting the package is inexcusable,” Marlinga said. “People have been dying in Ukraine for three months trying to reclaim land that Russia lost during the invasion. It sends a message to our enemies that House Republicans’ dithering and delays can be used to their advantage.

“If John James really believed in the vote, he could have found some other Republicans and taken action to put this to a vote. He cannot hide behind the Speaker of the House of Representatives who does not bring it.

“As your next elected representative, I will never turn my back on a friend or ally of the American people, and strengthening Ukraine and our NATO alliance will be my top priority from day one.”

The U.S. Senate advanced the measures for a final vote that was approved late Tuesday. President Biden has said he will sign the bills.

U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain speaks at an event in Macomb County in 2022. MACOMB DAILY FILE PHOTO

In the House of Representatives, a large majority of Democrats voted in favor of the bills and a majority of Republicans voted against aid to Ukraine. The Michigan delegation voted 7-5 in favor of aid to Ukraine, with six of the seven Democrats (U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell was absent due to illness) and James voting in favor, and five Republicans voting against.

Ten of the twelve members of the Michigan delegation present voted in favor of the other three bills. Democrats Rashida Tlaib and Dan Kildee voted against Israeli aid. The Indo-Pacific relief also passed 10-2, with Tlaib voting “present” and James missing it due to a flight delay. Tlaib was the only no vote on the possible TikTok ban and the Russian and Iranian penalties, while James missed the count.

U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain of Bruce Township said she supports Ukraine despite voting against aid to the country over its war with Russia over other spending priorities, especially border security, although she recently voted against the border security bill that was sent to the House by the House of Representatives. Senate earlier this year.

“From the beginning of Putin’s illegal invasion, I have been vocal and adamant that we must stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine throughout this war,” McClain said. “We have provided more aid to Ukraine than any country in the world, we have hosted President Zelensky in Congress and we have shouted from the rooftops for Ukraine to emerge victorious. Right now, around the world, and here at home, there are higher priorities that need our attention and capital. We must focus on securing our borders and fighting crime before we do anything else. That is why I did not vote in favor of sending more aid to Ukraine. But to be clear, this does not reflect my steadfast support of Ukraine during this terrible war.”

Diane Young

McLain voted in favor of aid to Israel, along with positive votes for aid to Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific, as well as for the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act to ban TikTok unless Chinese owner ByteDance sells it amid national concerns security that that government has access to Americans’ data and legislation that allows new penalties against Russia and Iran.

When the Senate border bill went to the House of Representatives nearly two months ago, McClain wrote on Twitter on February 4: “I am a hell of a no on the Senate border bill. Allowing the entry of 5,000 illegal aliens per day into our homeland is delusional and I will NOT vote to normalize it.”

Three days later, she added, “The idea that the House should pass the Senate’s fraudulent border bill because it is the only option is outrageous. The House of Representatives passed the most comprehensive border bill yet last May, but the Senate refused to take it up. Border security is not a one-way ticket.”

Diane Young, who will challenge Marlinga in the Democratic primary, with the winner facing off against James, is said to have voted for every element of the package.

“Despite the absence of some from their legislative duties, I would remain steadfast in my commitment to working across the aisle to prioritize our national security, including addressing Chinese and Russian aggression, while maintaining security of Israel and provide crucial humanitarian aid to Gaza. ,” she said.