Explainer-Can Ukraine supporters force a US House vote on foreign aid?

investing.com:

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) — If U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to allow a vote on the $95 billion foreign security aid bill passed by the Senate, its supporters may turn to rarely used and complicated procedural tools to try to force a vote.

So far, House Democrats — and Republicans who back the foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan — have not announced their plans, beyond saying they are considering «every available legislative tool» to move the measure forward.

Here is an explanation of the legislative maneuvers they might try.

WHAT IS A DISCHARGE PETITION?

The House «discharge rule,» which is generally the only procedure by which members can secure consideration of a bill without cooperation from majority party House leadership, requires at least 218 signatures, a majority of the House's members, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Democrats have already filed legislation to set the stage for a discharge petition. If they decide to go ahead, they can begin collecting signatures around March 1. If they get 218 signatures, the House must vote on a motion to discharge. If that passes, the House would then vote on the Senate bill.

IS THERE ENOUGH SUPPORT FOR A PETITION TO SUCCEED?

It would be close.

Many Republicans favor the foreign aid bill — estimates are that about 70% of the House would vote yes if Johnson allowed a vote — but signing a discharge petition would be a major, public break from party leadership in an election year with every House seat up for grabs.

Former President Donald Trump, the favorite to be the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, has criticized aid for Ukraine and his endorsement or opposition can make or break a Republican's