Politicians Comment After What Took Place After Vote On House Floor
In a move that has sparked controversy and sharp criticism, House Democrats were seen waving Ukrainian flags on the House floor as lawmakers voted in favor of approving $60 billion in foreign aid to Ukraine. The overall spending package, which also includes additional aid for Israel, faced fierce opposition from some lawmakers, but it was the flag-waving display that drew the most attention.
The vote, which passed in a 311 to 112 vote, was met with cheers and chants of "Ukraine! Ukraine!" by Democrats as the timer on the vote expired. However, this moment was quickly met with a reprimand from Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.), who was presiding over the vote. Molinaro called the display "inappropriate" and reminded Democrats that it violated House protocol.
This did not stop the flag-waving, as Democrats continued to pass around Ukrainian flags, causing further interruption and criticism. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) took the microphone and urged her fellow lawmakers to "put those d--- flags away," while also taking to social media later to voice her disapproval. She argued that it was a "disgrace to display any other flag than the American flag in the House Chamber!"
The flag-waving display has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle, with Republicans and independents alike expressing their outrage on social media. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) took to Twitter and accused House Democrats of prioritizing Ukraine over American interests.
"Ukrainian flags fly in the chamber of the UNITED STATES House of Representatives as they vote to send more of your hard-earned money to a corrupt foreign regime," Paul wrote, adding, "And just like that they shout ‘UKRAINE! UKRAINE!’ while happily working to secure Ukraine’s borders, not ours."
GOP lawmakers Rep. Andy Biggs (Ariz.), Rep. Dan Bishop (N.C.), and Rep. Troy E. Nehls (Texas) also took to social media to condemn the flag-waving display. "Democrats chanted ‘Ukraine’ while waving Ukrainian flags on the Floor of the UNITED STATES House of Representatives," Biggs tweeted. "The Uniparty approved $60.8 billion more for Ukraine while the US quickly approached $35 trillion in debt." Bishop chimed in, "For the Swamp, it's Ukraine First and America Last," while Nehls called the display "disgusting."
Even those not affiliated with a particular party took issue with the flag-waving, including Nicole Shanahan, the running mate of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "I remember as a 12-year-old waking up in downtown Oakland and realizing our car had been broken into and the $1.50 I was relying on to buy a McDonald’s breakfast sandwich had been stolen," Shanahan wrote on Twitter. "Watching our leadership today send $60B to Ukraine while waving another nation’s flag is gut-wrenching. What about Americans?"
Despite the backlash, Democrats defended their actions, arguing that the display was a symbolic gesture of solidarity with Ukraine, which has been locked in a long-standing conflict with Russia. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) took to Twitter and wrote, "As we vote to send much-needed aid to Ukraine, it’s important to show our support and solidarity with their country." Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) also defended the display, saying, "We show solidarity with Ukraine by fighting against Russian aggression and standing for democracy and human rights. That’s what this vote represents."
The flag-waving incident has highlighted the ongoing debate over foreign aid, with critics arguing that the U.S. should prioritize its own interests over those of other countries. However, supporters of the spending package argue that foreign aid is crucial to maintaining relationships with allies and to promoting democracy and human rights globally. The display of Ukrainian flags in the House chamber has sparked important discussions and raised questions about the role of foreign aid in U.S. politics.