"McConnell and Speaker Johnson on Collision Course over Ukraine Shutdown"

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson are set to clash over emergency funding for Ukraine and funding the government beyond Thanksgiving. McConnell wants to keep military aid to Ukraine and Israel tied together, while Johnson wants to separate the issues. McConnell aims to pass regular appropriations bills before Christmas to boost defense spending, while Johnson proposes freezing federal funding with a stopgap measure. McConnell and Johnson have different relationships with former President Trump and differing views on abortion. They must find a way to avoid a government shutdown and position the party for the 2024 election.