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The Problem Solvers Have Their Own Problems to Solve

The fight over Ukraine aid is only the latest disagreement among the bipartisan group that has been fracturing since the fall.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Rep. Josh Gottheimer
The Problem Solvers Caucus was created for quagmires just like Ukraine aid, with the dream of rank-and-file members forging consensus. Bill Clark/AP

The co-chair of the bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus wants to solve the problem of getting Ukraine aid through Congress. But the group’s internal divisions could doom the effort as the latest in a long string of failed attempts by Problem Solvers members to, you know, solve a problem.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, the Pennsylvania Republican who helps lead the group, is trying to force a vote on his bill to provide more military assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. He’s met resistance not only from House Speaker Mike Johnson but also from problem-solving Democrats who see an urgent need for more Ukraine aid and agree the fate of the free world is at stake.

“It’s a distraction from what needs to be done,” Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Virginia Democrat and member of the caucus, said of Fitzpatrick’s bill.