U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans to push for aid to Israel following Iran’s recent drone and missile attack. However, Johnson did not specify whether the aid package would include assistance for Ukraine and other allies.
Johnson, facing challenges in unifying the Republican majority and addressing internal divisions, mentioned previous unsuccessful attempts to pass standalone aid for Israel.
Despite these setbacks, he expressed determination to try again, with the specifics of the package currently under consideration.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicated that the House would respond to Iran’s attack by introducing legislation supporting Israel and holding Iran accountable. Details of the proposed legislation were not disclosed.
Johnson’s office declined to provide further information, but he was expected to confer with lawmakers focused on national security, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul. McCaul stressed the urgency of passing Ukraine aid, emphasizing the limited time available.
The House remains divided over providing further assistance to Ukraine, with no significant aid package passing since Republicans assumed control of the chamber.
While some members strongly advocate for Ukraine aid, others, including allies of former President Trump like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, oppose it, preferring domestic spending.
Representative Mike Turner, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, anticipated broad support for a comprehensive aid bill encompassing Ukraine, Israel, and Asia.
He underscored the importance of aiding allies in the face of escalating tensions, particularly after Iran’s aggressive actions.
The White House and bipartisan leaders in the Senate urged Johnson to approve a $95 billion aid package, emphasizing the critical support it would provide to Israel and Ukraine.
Johnson has been reluctant to adopt the Senate bill, seeking to develop his own legislation, including structuring Ukraine aid as a loan, in alignment with former President Trump’s preferences.
