Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, announced plans to push for aid to Israel in response to Iran’s recent drone and missile attack. However, he did not confirm whether this legislation would also encompass assistance for Ukraine and other allies. Johnson, facing challenges in unifying the Republican majority and averting threats to his leadership, revealed previous unsuccessful attempts to pass standalone aid for Israel.
Following Johnson’s statement, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise asserted that the House would respond to Iran’s aggression with legislation supporting Israel and holding Iran accountable. However, specific details regarding the proposed legislation were not provided. Johnson was set to meet with lawmakers, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul, to discuss national security matters further.
McCaul emphasized the urgency of addressing Ukraine aid, stating that action needed to be taken promptly. Despite the necessity, the House remains deeply divided over providing additional assistance to Ukraine. Since Republicans assumed control of the chamber in January 2023, no significant aid package for Kyiv has been approved.
U.S. House Speaker Commits to Pursue Israel Aid Passage This Week (Credits: POLITICO)
The division within the House stems from differing perspectives on allocating resources between domestic issues and foreign aid. While some members strongly advocate for aid to Ukraine, a significant portion of Trump’s House allies oppose such assistance. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has even threatened to challenge Johnson’s speakership over his support for Ukraine.
Representative Mike Turner, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, expressed optimism regarding the passage of a comprehensive aid bill encompassing support for Ukraine, Israel, and Asia. Turner highlighted the importance of standing by allies in light of Iran’s escalatory actions, suggesting that such a bill would garner overwhelming support in the House.
Despite calls from the White House and bipartisan leaders in the Senate to approve a $95 billion aid package, Johnson has opted to pursue a different approach. He aims to craft his own legislation, which includes Ukraine aid structured as a loan, aligning with the preferences of former President Donald Trump. Johnson emphasized his unity with Trump on major issues following a meeting between the two in Florida.
