Hypothesis surrounds a trio of Republican lawmakers who have been the one Home members to vote in opposition to a decision to assist Ukraine's sovereignty.
The ultimate tally on Wednesday was a near-unanimous vote of 426-3, with the Home passing the decision regardless of three "no" votes from Representatives Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). The trio haven't launched official statements on their votes, nonetheless, heavy criticism was shortly geared toward all three, with some politicians chastising them for voting in opposition to a decision that obtained practically full bipartisan assist.
Consultant Adam Kinzinger (R-Unwell.), one of the vital outspoken critics of the present state of his social gathering, tweeted that the trio of no votes was "unreal," including that "the brilliant facet is over 400 voted sure."
"Pricey Gosar, Rosendale, and Massie, you aren't anti-war," Kinzinger mentioned in a follow-up tweet.
The Democratic Congressional Marketing campaign Committee (DCCC) tweeted a response to the decision, calling the no votes from the Republican congressmen "actually despicable conduct."
"Final evening, the president spoke of America standing with the wall of energy that's the Ukrainian folks," the DCCC mentioned. "Simply now, three Home Republicans voted NO on a decision in assist of Ukraine."
Amidst the persevering with criticism from each side of the aisle, Massie and Rosendale don't seem to have launched any responses to their votes. Nevertheless, Gosar did reply to Kinzinger's tweet following the vote, saying: "Speak to me when our border is safe."
Because the information of the vote made the rounds on social media, some accused the trio of congressmen of aligning with Russia, with one account calling them "pro-Putin MAGA traitors."
Particularly, eyes shifted towards Massie and his previous sentiments relating to international coverage and the invasion of Ukraine. This contains his anticipated Democratic opponent within the upcoming midterms, Matthew Lehman, who tweeted that Massie was "an anarchist hellbent on dismantling a safe and affluent world order" after he signed a letter urging President Joe Biden to hunt congressional approval earlier than partaking in army motion.
"Your infantile stunts endanger tens of millions of Ukrainians and free folks world wide," Lehman added.
Others on social media pointed towards Massie's alleged ties with Russia. Particularly, a 2019 article from liberal suppose tank Suppose Progress mentioned: "Massie's latest votes in Congress...see the congressman persistently siding with Russia's pursuits."
The article added that "Massie attended a lavish February 2017 dinner alongside Maria Butina, the Russian agent who...is doubtlessly dealing with years in jail for serving as an unregistered international agent."
Massie has denied having any connections or ties to Russia, and his votes in Congress have been cited as being a results of his libertarian viewpoint.
The movement, H. Res 956, was titled "Supporting the folks of Ukraine" and was sponsored by Consultant Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), the chair of the Home Committee on International Affairs. H. Res 956 harassed that "it's the proper of all international locations to determine their very own future, international coverage, and safety preparations free from exterior interference or coercion."
"The Home of Representatives calls for a right away cease-fire and the total withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory," the decision mentioned, including that the U.S. "helps, unequivocally, Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
"[The House] states unambiguously that it'll by no means acknowledge or assist any illegitimate Russian-controlled chief or authorities put in by way of using drive, and that solely the folks of Ukraine can select their management by way of free and truthful democratic elections with out international interference, intervention, or coercion," the decision continued. "[The House] stands steadfastly, staunchly, proudly, and fervently behind the Ukrainian folks of their combat in opposition to the authoritarian Putin regime."
Newsweek has reached out to Massie, Gosar and Rosendale for remark.
Post a Comment