House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to bring a spending package to the House floor that includes wartime aid for Israel, as well as billions for Ukraine and Taiwan. Iran’s recent attack on Israel has increased pressure on Johnson to approve the aid package quickly. The GOP is divided on whether to continue supporting Kyiv as it defends itself from Russia’s invasion, further complicating the issue. Johnson is looking at various options and is trying to advance the aid bill this week.
The White House and Senate members are urging Johnson to put a bill already approved by the Senate onto the House floor, or alternatively, start fresh with a new bill that has spending levels more appealing to certain members. Johnson supports legislation that would structure some of the funding for Kyiv as loans, tap frozen Russian assets, and include other policy changes. The legislative push this week comes after Johnson met with former President Trump, who expressed support for him. Johnson is coordinating with Biden’s White House and is facing pressure to act quickly to provide aid to Israel and Ukraine.
Biden called congressional leaders urging them to send aid to both Israel and Ukraine promptly. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of passing the security supplemental to help Israel rebuild its anti-missile and anti-drone defenses. The Senate previously passed a bill that allocates roughly $60 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel. The White House emphasized the urgency of approving the national security supplemental to respond to the threats faced by Ukraine and Israel. Biden is calling for a G7 meeting in response to Iran’s recent attack on Israel.
Johnson’s aid package includes support for U.S. allies, humanitarian aid for civilians in Ukraine and Gaza, and funding to replenish U.S. weapons provided to Taiwan. The GOP’s slim majority in the chamber complicates the approval process, as Republicans are divided on supporting Kyiv. Johnson is facing political pressure to clear the aid package through the House quickly. He is considering various options and is coordinating with the White House and Senate members on how to proceed with the aid bill.
Following a meeting with former President Trump, Johnson expressed unity on key agenda items, such as supporting Ukraine through a loan-lease concept, that has broad consensus. Trump expressed support for Johnson and emphasized their strong relationship. Johnson has pushed for policy changes, including lifting a pause on approvals for Liquefied Natural Gas exports and securing the U.S.-Mexico border. The House plans to consider legislation that supports Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable, with Johnson’s push for aid intensifying in response to recent events.
