Schumer demands Johnson, House GOP pass foreign aid bill following Ukrainian withdrawal from key city and Navalny's death

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans to pass a foreign aid bill in response to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny. Schumer emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin is closely watching. Schumer’s demand comes after President Joe Biden linked Ukraine’s withdrawal from the key town of Avdiivka to Congress’ failure to provide further aid. The Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill last week, which includes support for Ukraine, security assistance for Israel, and humanitarian aid. However, Johnson has indicated that he will not bring the bill to the floor. Biden criticized House lawmakers for taking a two-week break and urged them to take action. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his concern about the lack of additional funding, emphasizing that dictators do not take vacations and neither does hatred or enemy artillery.