Congressional leaders are facing a dilemma on how to pass additional funding for Israel in the wake of Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel. House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced plans to move forward with a vote on additional Israel aid but is facing challenges from hardline conservatives who are against attaching Ukraine funding to the aid package.
The pressure on Johnson is mounting as he tries to navigate the competing pressures from both sides of the aisle. While some Republicans are urging for a standalone aid package for Israel, others, including GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, are calling for the Senate-passed foreign package that includes funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
President Joe Biden has also joined the conversation, participating in a call with congressional leadership to discuss the urgent need for the House to pass the bipartisan Senate-passed aid package. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has urged the GOP-led House to move quickly on the Senate-passed aid package in the wake of the Iranian attack on Israel.
The House has so far declined to take a vote on the Senate-passed legislation, with many House conservatives opposed to sending additional aid to Ukraine. However, with the escalating tensions in the region, there is increased pressure on congressional leaders to reach a consensus and provide much-needed aid to Israel.
The situation remains fluid as Johnson works to finalize the details of the aid package and navigate the complex political landscape in Congress. The fate of the additional funding for Israel hangs in the balance as leaders grapple with the aftermath of Iran’s retaliatory strikes.