House Republicans have introduced a series of bills aimed at targeting Iran and showing support for Israel in the aftermath of Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel. The future of aid to Israel remains uncertain as Congress is divided on the issue. Democrats are calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to bring up a Senate-passed foreign aid package that includes aid for Israel and Ukraine, but some hardline conservatives are against attaching Ukraine funding to an Israel aid package. Johnson has not indicated how Congress will respond to Iran’s attack or whether he will tie Israel and Ukraine aid together.
House Republicans have announced plans to take up pro-Israel and anti-Iran bills, including a measure condemning Iran’s attack and reaffirming support for Israel’s right to respond to Iranian aggression. Johnson has expressed intentions to put an Israel aid bill on the floor, but the specifics are still being finalized. The House GOP Conference will meet to discuss the Iran-Israel situation and their legislative plans moving forward. Johnson emphasized the importance of standing with Israel and stated that they are working on putting together an aid package for Israel.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is urging immediate passage of the foreign aid package passed by the Senate in response to recent events in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The House previously passed a bill providing $14.3 billion in aid to Israel, but Democrats objected to the lack of aid for Ukraine and funding cuts to the IRS. The Senate’s bill, passed in February, includes $95.3 billion in foreign aid with assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and other priorities. However, a significant number of House Republicans are against sending additional aid to Ukraine, posing a challenge for Johnson’s speakership.
GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion against Johnson that threatens his speakership, stemming from his potential support for additional aid to Ukraine. Johnson referred to Greene’s actions as a distraction, expressing concern about the impact on the party’s goals and mission. He emphasized the importance of maintaining and growing the House majority, winning the Senate, and regaining the White House for President Trump. The internal division within the Republican Party regarding aid to Ukraine poses a challenge for Johnson’s leadership and the party’s unity in addressing global security issues.
Overall, the political landscape in Congress remains uncertain as lawmakers grapple with how to respond to Iran’s attack on Israel and address the competing priorities of aid to Israel and Ukraine. The House Republicans are moving forward with introducing bills supporting Israel and condemning Iran, while Democrats are urging immediate passage of a comprehensive foreign aid package. The decision on whether to tie aid to Israel and Ukraine together remains a point of contention within the GOP, with potential repercussions for Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership. As efforts continue to navigate these complex issues, the future of US foreign aid policy toward Israel and Ukraine hangs in the balance.
