Congressional leaders from both parties were quick to condemn Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel but are still divided on how to pass additional Israel funding following the attacks. House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed his intention to hold a vote on additional aid for Israel but is facing opposition from conservatives over the potential inclusion of Ukraine funding in the aid package. Johnson has stated that House Republicans understand the importance of standing with Israel and are working on putting together the details of the aid package, including exploring various options for supplemental issues.
Hardline conservatives are warning Johnson against attaching Ukraine funding to any Israel aid package, emphasizing the challenges the speaker faces in making critical decisions about the path forward after Iran’s attack on Israel. Some members of Congress, like GOP Rep. Warren Davidson, argue that no action by Iran or Israel justifies a vote on the Ukraine omnibus proposed by the Senate. Meanwhile, there are bipartisan calls, including from GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, to take up the Senate-passed foreign aid package that includes funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan as a swift way to provide aid to Israel.
Johnson has committed to placing an Israel aid bill on the floor this week, but specifics are still being finalized. The speaker is walking a tightrope as he grapples with the complexities of passing aid legislation for Israel, given the previous struggles to do so. Johnson could face backlash from conservatives if he links the aid to Ukraine or brings the Senate bill to the floor. Efforts are being made to gain former President Donald Trump’s support for a GOP-friendly Ukraine aid package, potentially structured as a loan, which Trump has indicated openness to during discussions with Johnson.
While Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recommends that the House move on the Senate-passed national security aid package, House conservatives have been hesitant to provide additional aid to Ukraine and have other conditions for any aid package, complicating the situation. Democrats are urging Johnson to consider the Senate foreign aid package, while Republicans are pushing Schumer to focus on aid to Israel alone. Individual members, like Sen. Marco Rubio, have suggested that the Senate could swiftly pass standalone aid for Israel, putting pressure on the House to act promptly on aiding Israel in the wake of the Iran attacks.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by calls from Democratic Sen. Chris Coons for Johnson to bring the Senate-passed supplemental foreign aid package to the floor without delay. Despite the Senate passing its foreign aid bill in February, Johnson had not planned to bring it to the floor, leading to failed attempts to pass a standalone Israel aid package in the House previously. Resistance from the conservative House Freedom Caucus necessitated a two-thirds majority for approval, which was not achieved due to opposition from both Republicans and Democrats.
Following Iran’s attacks and the increased pressure on congressional leadership to reach a consensus, there is a renewed focus on providing aid to Israel. While challenges and differences persist, the need to support Israel in the wake of the attacks by Iran and its proxies is evident. Both Speaker Johnson and other leaders are navigating complex decisions, balancing competing interests, and striving to find a path forward that addresses the urgency of the situation. Despite diverging opinions and obstacles, efforts are being made to swiftly address the aid needs of Israel in the aftermath of the recent hostilities.
