House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has called on House Republicans to quickly pass the Senate-approved national security supplemental bill, which includes crucial foreign aid for Ukraine and Israel.
In a letter to his colleagues, Jeffries highlighted the urgent need for legislative action in light of recent international events, including the Iranian attack on Israel.
Labeling the situation a “Churchill or Chamberlain moment,” Jeffries criticized “Extreme MAGA Republicans” for delaying the aid package, emphasizing that “the Ukrainian people are out of time” and that recent events in the Middle East and Eastern Europe underscore the necessity for immediate congressional action.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (Credits: CNN)
He expressed a strong commitment from House Democrats to defend democracy and confront aggression, questioning whether Republican factions would continue to appease it.
The push for passing the supplemental bill comes despite assurances from Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) that he will bring Ukraine aid to a vote, despite resistance from certain GOP members. Johnson is reportedly exploring alternatives to the Senate-passed bill to satisfy some Republicans, though he has not detailed what the revised aid package might entail.
The urgency conveyed by Jeffries and other lawmakers is further underscored by a bipartisan effort led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who penned a letter to Johnson signed by nearly 100 lawmakers from both parties.
Hakeem Jeffries (Credits: Politico)
They are pressing for the Senate bill to be brought directly to the House floor for a vote, highlighting a broad legislative push to address the pressing needs of U.S. allies despite escalating global conflicts.
This legislative impasse occurs as President Biden reinforces the necessity of passing the supplemental aid package, having discussed its importance with congressional leaders, including Jeffries, during a phone call.
The White House has issued a statement emphasizing the president’s call for the House to act swiftly to ensure the United States can continue to support its international partners effectively.
