Speaker Mike Johnson has announced plans to call a vote in the House on an improved National Defense Supplemental bill that provides crucial aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. This legislation will test the Republican House majority and is aimed at preventing President Biden from blaming his foreign-policy failures on the GOP. Under the Trump-Pence administration, policies effectively thwarted authoritarian aggression abroad, but since Biden took office, there have been several significant global challenges, including Russia invading Ukraine, Iran supporting attacks on the Jewish people, and China’s increasing aggression towards Taiwan.
The Biden administration has overseen several embassy evacuations and the US influence abroad has been dissipating. China is extending its influence into the Western Hemisphere through platforms like TikTok and engaging in aggressive actions against US allies. The administration’s commitment to Israel is also wavering, and the geopolitical effects of the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal are unfolding. The surrender of rare-earth minerals, airbases, and weapons to enemies has further weakened US security. Biden is now seeking billions in emergency national-security funding from Congress, using opposition to increased military spending to shift blame onto Republicans.
An isolationist and anti-war faction within the Republican Party has allowed the Biden administration to blame them for defense weaknesses and chaos, although the crises occurred under Biden’s leadership. As China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea strengthen their authoritarian alliance, it is crucial for Republicans to resist this narrative and pass a national-security supplemental bill to support allies and strengthen US defense. China’s defense budget has increased significantly while Biden’s spending request is minimal, further highlighting the need for a stronger defense strategy in the face of growing threats.
Republican leadership should resist the pressure from anti-war Republicans and pass a national-security bill with necessary improvements to defend against threats from China, Russia, and Iran. By providing resources to Ukraine to combat Russian aggression, supporting Israel in its conflicts against Iran, and arming Taiwan against Chinese aggression, the US can strengthen security and accountability in foreign policy. A conservative framework is needed to ensure a strategic plan for Ukraine to win the war and not engage in a prolonged conflict of attrition. By supporting allies and holding the Biden administration accountable, Congress can strengthen American security and influence.
It is crucial for Speaker Johnson to lead the House in supporting the Senate-passed national-security bill with improvements to address ongoing global threats. The world is becoming more dangerous, and it is essential to deter adversaries and support allies to maintain US strength and influence. By passing a comprehensive national-security bill, the US can take a stand against authoritarian aggression and hold the Biden administration accountable for its foreign policy failures. This approach will provide the necessary resources to allies and strengthen US defense in the face of growing global challenges.
