House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasizes the importance of U.S. financial support for Israel and Ukraine, underscoring the urgency in Congress to address these matters.
By yourNEWS Media Staff
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) declared on Nov. 27 that U.S. financial support for Israel and Ukraine remains a high priority for the nation. At an event in Florida, Johnson addressed the critical need for continued U.S. assistance to Israel following the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7, and to Ukraine, which has been engaged in a conflict with Russia since February 2022.
Johnson highlighted the significance of supporting Israel, a key ally of the United States. He referred to the $14.3 billion aid package for Israel, which has been awaiting action in the Senate, and expressed frustration over its delay. This package, however, faces opposition from Democrats due to its provisions, including offset cuts to the IRS.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has dismissed the House bill as dead on arrival in the Senate. Schumer criticized the package for its exclusion of aid to Ukraine, humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and funding for the Indo-Pacific, as well as making funding for Israel contingent on contentious proposals.
Reaffirming his commitment to Ukraine, Johnson stated, “Ukraine is another priority. We can’t allow Vladimir Putin to march through Europe.” He stressed the importance of balancing additional assistance to Ukraine with changes to U.S. border policy.
Schumer, in a recent letter to his Senate colleagues, condemned the inclusion of border policy contingencies in the national security supplemental package, viewing it as a jeopardizing factor.
Johnson indicated that negotiations are actively ongoing between Republicans and Democrats on this supplemental package, emphasizing a sense of urgency to pass these critical items. He expressed optimism about reaching an agreement on the supplemental funding request, which includes addressing immigration processing, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and support for the Indo-Pacific.
Schumer has stated his intention to introduce a bill encompassing the Biden administration’s additional funding requests. He pointed out the primary obstacle to the national security assistance package is the GOP’s insistence on incorporating partisan border policy into the crucial Ukraine aid.
In addition to the supplemental package, Congress faces the task of passing a spending bill to prevent a government shutdown, with some funding expiring on Jan. 19 and the remainder on Feb. 2.
In his closing remarks, Johnson mentioned his recent discussions with Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) regarding an anticipated vote to expel him from Congress following a House Ethics Committee report. The report found substantial evidence of Santos violating federal law, making his future in Congress uncertain. Johnson noted that further discussions about Santos’ situation would occur upon Congress’s return.