USA (Washington Insider Magazine) — The unlikely alliance between Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat, and Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, highlights how personal connections can influence major policy moves. Their camaraderie, built in the Capitol gym, helped push through a $10 billion aid package to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Gottheimer, a former speechwriter for Bill Clinton, and Mullin, a mixed martial arts champion and Trump ally, forged a friendship through frequent workouts. Despite their contrasting political views, they developed mutual respect and trust, setting the stage for collaboration on Ukraine aid. Their partnership proved pivotal as Congress struggled to pass the package amidst Republican opposition and fears of former President Donald Trump’s influence.
When aid discussions stalled, Mullin leveraged his ties to Trump, while Gottheimer maintained communication with the White House and Democratic leaders. Together, they crafted a loan-based aid package to meet Trump’s terms, allowing GOP members to support it without breaking with Trump. The measure ultimately passed, with President Biden’s approval, bolstering Ukraine’s defenses.
Gottheimer and Mullin’s story underscores a rare moment of bipartisanship. “You bull—-, you get to know each other,” Gottheimer said. Their collaboration, forged in the gym and fueled by mutual understanding, offers a hopeful example of lawmakers bridging divides to achieve critical goals.
