On Monday, the Republican-led House took swift action in response to Iran’s recent attack on Israel by voting on a series of bills designed to exert financial pressure on the Islamic Republic and its supporters.
The expedited process, conducted under suspension of the rules, allowed for immediate floor votes on three separate bills, each aimed at imposing penalties on Iran and its network of proxies. The bills, which garnered support from a majority of Democrats, target various aspects of Iran’s financial operations.
They include measures to revoke the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations found to be supporting terrorist groups, disrupt China’s purchase of Iranian oil and petroleum products, and restrict the Iranian government’s access to the U.S. financial system.
Islamic Republic (Credits: Middle East Monitor)
These legislative efforts come as a result of a coordinated defense by Israel, the U.S., the U.K., France, and Middle Eastern allies, which successfully intercepted a particular portion of the drones and missiles launched by Iran on Saturday night.
While Democrats expressed backing for the bills passed on Monday, they also voiced frustration over the delay in addressing the Senate-approved $95 billion national security supplemental. This comprehensive legislation includes aid not only for Israel but also for Ukraine and Taiwan.
Representative Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) emphasized his support for H.R. 6408, a bill targeting terrorist-supporting organizations, while urging Republicans to prioritize the national security supplemental. He called on colleagues to endorse both the current legislation and the crucial security funding proposed in the Senate.
Speaker Mike Johnson (Credits: Rolling Stone)
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) presented a plan to Republicans, proposing separate bills to address aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other national security priorities. However, it remains uncertain how Democrats will respond to these proposals.
The White House reiterated its opposition to a stand-alone bill for aid to Israel, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to national security challenges.
Earlier in the day, a bipartisan group of lawmakers called on Johnson to bring the Senate-passed national security supplemental to a vote without delay, underscoring the urgency of addressing critical security funding priorities.
