In the aftermath of Iran's retaliatory strikes against occupied territories, US House Speaker Mike Johnson faces mounting pressure to secure "war-time aids" for Israel. On Sunday, President Joe Biden convened a call with Johnson and congressional leaders to address the "urgent need" for approving a Republican-led support package. The Senate has already passed this package, which would allocate $14.1 billion in aid to Israel.
The White House stated, "On the call, the president discussed the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible." Following this discussion, Johnson expressed his intention to advance a bill for wartime aid to Israel this week. He emphasized the Republican Party's stance, saying, "The House Republicans and the Republican Party understand the necessity of standing with Israel."
Despite previous refusals to consider the Senate bill, Johnson asserted, "We're going to try again this week, and the details of that package are being put together right now." He added, "We’re looking at the options on all these supplemental issues."
Meanwhile, Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US would not partake in any counterattack against Iran. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed Biden's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of passing the supplemental aid this week to assist both Israel and Ukraine. Schumer called on Speaker Johnson to act accordingly, stating, "There was a consensus on the phone among all the leaders that we had to help Israel and help Ukraine."
However, Johnson has not clarified whether he plans to address aid to Ukraine. Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, urged for the approval of the "national security supplemental," emphasizing its significance for both Israel and US military forces in the region.
Democrats aim to rally support for the bill, with a goal to get at least 200 signatures. The Washington Post reported that some in the far-left faction may oppose the legislation due to its funding for Israel.
