House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., indicated on Sunday that he would not bring the Senate-passed supplemental package on foreign aid to the floor this week, despite pressure from Democrats and some GOP lawmakers following Iran’s retaliatory strike against Israel.
Speaking on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Johnson mentioned that House members were working on details for a new package.
“We’re planning to attempt it again this week, and the specifics of that package are currently being put together,” he stated. “We are exploring all options and supplemental issues.”
The House initially approved its GOP-led Israel support package shortly after Johnson became speaker in October. However, the package, which included $14.3 billion in aid to Israel along with cuts to IRS funding, was considered dead on arrival in the Democratic-led Senate, and President Joe Biden promised to veto it.
In February, the House failed to pass a stand-alone Israel aid bill without the IRS cuts, with many Republicans joining Democrats in defeating the effort.
During that same month, the Senate passed a $95 billion national security package that included aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Johnson rejected the deal after blocking a bipartisan attempt in the Senate to address security at the U.S.-Mexico border. Under pressure from GOP hard-liners warning him that tying Ukraine aid to the bill could harm his speakership, Johnson has yet to address aid for the war-torn country months later.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Speaker Johnson to pass the supplemental aid package this week to assist Israel, during a press conference in New York City after a phone call between Biden and the congressional leaders.
Regarding former President Donald Trump’s suggestion of turning Ukraine aid into a loan, Johnson mentioned his meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, stating they are in agreement on major agenda items.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called on Congress to pass the long-delayed military aid package, emphasizing the need to support Israel after Iran’s retaliatory attacks.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner expressed optimism about the House passing the long-delayed military aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan with overwhelming support.
Senator Marco Rubio hoped that the U.S. could provide aid to Ukraine while addressing border security at the same time.
Johnson, who has committed to passing new Ukraine aid, has faced criticism from some GOP members. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has suggested reallocating funds to the southern border instead of Ukraine.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul suggested that Trump’s influence over the GOP conference might have prompted Johnson’s visit to Mar-a-Lago to discuss the Ukraine aid package.
Senator J.D. Vance expressed his opposition to passing the supplemental aid package in its current form, arguing that it could weaken Israel’s defense against Hamas.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
