Exploring Potential Impact Of Kevin McCarthy’s Ousting For US Aid To Ukraine

In a first in US history, Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday was abruptly removed from his role as US House Speaker, marking an end to a short tenure for the California Republican.

The ousting came just days after McCarthy worked with House Democrats to pass a stopgap spending bill to extend government funding through November 17.

The House and the US Senate passed the stopgap bill with overwhelming bipartisan majorities, averting a government shutdown that could have left scores of federal workers without pay.

Uncertainty To The Outlook For US Aid To Ukraine

There was a catch, however. The short-term bill would cut out aid for Ukraine, amid Washington sending the Kyiv government $113 billion in assistance since Russia invaded in February 2022.

After support for the war-ravaged nation was excluded from the bill, President Joe Biden was left to rely on the Republican House Speaker for a separate deal.

The historic ousting of McCarthy, however, has added further uncertainty to the outlook for US aid to Ukraine, amid the pressing need to shore up support for Kyiv.

McCarthy Was Expected “To Keep His Commitment”

Biden said at the weekend US support for Ukraine could not be interrupted “under any circumstances”, adding he expected McCarthy “to keep his commitment”.

On Tuesday, the White House said it was confident the US would ultimately provide more assistance, no matter the fate of McCarthy’s speakership.

But with the California Republican voted out as eight Republicans joined 208 Democrats in supporting his removal, attention has now turned to the views of his potential successors.

House Speaker Accused Of Cutting “A Secret Deal” With Biden

Leaders in the Senate, which enjoys a narrow majority of Democrats, have promised to take up legislation in the coming weeks to ensure continued US support for Ukraine.

McCarthy has denied accusations by fellow Republican Matt Gaetz, who led the push to oust him, that he had cut “a secret deal” with Biden to allow the House to vote on Ukraine aid.

Amid concerns that support for Kyiv was fading, Biden convened a call with the leaders of allied countries, the EU and NATO on Tuesday about continuing support for the war-torn nation.