Congress’ Response to Iran’s Attack on Israel: What You Need to Know | National News

The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East has prompted a renewed urgency in Congress to send more aid to Israel. After Iran launched a retaliatory attack involving drones and missiles into Israel, members from both sides of the aisle called on Speaker Mike Johnson to put the Senate’s $95 billion aid bill on the floor immediately.

The attack by Iran resulted in minimal damage, with most drones and missiles intercepted. However, an Israeli air base reported light damage and a 7-year-old girl was critically injured. In response, Iran’s President and supreme leader vowed to punish Israel for the strike that killed a top general in Syria.

Despite President Biden’s assurance to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that the U.S. would not back a counterattack, Israel’s military chief of staff confirmed that a response will be coming. The aid bill includes funding for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, but internal Republican disagreements threaten its passage.

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene called for aid to Israel to be uncoupled from aid to Ukraine, while fellow Republican Rep. Mike Collins urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to pass the aid package quickly. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell emphasized the importance of providing critical resources to Israel, lethal assistance to Ukraine, and aid to Taiwan.

With a lack of consensus and pressure mounting, Speaker Johnson faces a difficult decision on how to proceed with the aid bill. The situation remains fluid as Congress grapples with the aftermath of the recent events in the region.