WASHINGTON (AP) — Staring down a decision so consequential it could alter the course of history -- but also end his own career -- House Speaker Mike Johnson prayed for guidance.
A conservative Christian, the speaker wrestled over whether to lead the House in approving $95 billion in desperately needed war-time aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies, which many in his own Republican majority opposed — some so strongly they would try to boot him from office.
Or, he could do nothing, halting the flow of U.S. aid and potentially saving his own job but ensuring his place as the House speaker who led America’s retreat from the global stage and left Ukraine to fend for itself as it loses ground against the Russian invasion.
As Johnson met with colleagues late into the night this week at the speaker’s office, they prayed on it.
“And then he told me the next day: I want to be on the right side of history,” said Rep. Michael McCaul, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Biden administration restricts oil and gas leasing in Alaska
A quiet birthday for Meghan's former best
Six people killed in Canada in rare mass murder case
Move over Fashion Royalty, REAL Royalty has been on view at the catwalk shows
Angela Rayner makes her second visit to a housing project in just four days
Snap! How toned Pippa Middleton matches her bikinis with her designer wardrobe
Kate will 'lean on' her trusted nanny Maria Borrallo as she recovers from abdominal surgery
Mariah Carey turns heads in a dramatic gold floor
Never leave a man behind: Veterans join forces to give British spy a proper send
Kings hoping goaltender Cam Talbot can return to early form as Stanley Cup playoffs begin
HKFP Lens: Hong Kong through the eyes of photojournalist Wong Kan