President Biden spoke with the top four congressional leaders over the phone on Sunday. During the call, he emphasized the importance of the House passing the national security supplemental. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is currently under pressure to bring the Senate-approved foreign aid package to the floor for a vote. The President expressed a sense of urgency regarding this matter.
The White House issued a statement, stating that Biden, Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) gathered to discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel on Sunday afternoon.
The statement further stated that during the call, the President emphasized the pressing requirement for the House of Representatives to swiftly pass the national security supplemental.
Schumer issued a statement confirming the meeting and emphasizing the United States’ unwavering support for Israel, particularly in light of the recent Iranian attack. He urged Johnson to pass the national security package, which encompasses assistance for both Ukraine and Israel.
Chuck Schumer emphasized the unwavering dedication of the United States to ensuring Israel’s security. He stressed the importance of supporting Israel in its efforts to remain strong in the face of threats from Iran.
Schumer replied to Speaker Johnson, stating that the most effective approach would be for the House to approve the bipartisan national security bill that had already been passed by the Senate.
McConnell and Jeffries did not provide a comment immediately after the meeting on Sunday evening, in response to a request.
Both of them, however, issued statements in response to the Israeli strikes on Saturday, reiterating their unwavering support for Israel and urging the House to approve the national security supplemental.
In a statement on Saturday night, McConnell emphasized the importance of Congress taking action and fulfilling its responsibilities. He highlighted the significance of passing the national security supplemental, which has been pending for months. McConnell stressed that this supplemental would provide vital resources to both Israel and our own military forces in the region. He emphasized that it is imperative for both the Commander-in-Chief and Congress to fulfill their duties promptly. McConnell warned that the consequences of failing to act would be severe, devastating, and entirely preventable.
“The world is currently facing numerous challenges, and it is crucial for us to support our Democratic allies and take a firm stance against those who threaten freedom. According to Jeffries, it is essential for the House to pass the bipartisan national security bill as soon as possible. These remarks were made by Jeffries on the social platform X during a Sunday morning discussion.”
Amid mounting pressure from members of his own party and Democrats, President Biden has called on Johnson to bring the national security package to a vote.
In the past few weeks, with growing concerns over Ukraine’s diminishing ammunition stockpile, Johnson has made a commitment to hold a vote on a Ukraine aid bill. However, he had not provided details on the specifics of the bill. He was aiming to find a compromise, as he was confronted with threats from members of his own conference who were calling for his removal as Speaker.
With the region posing significant threats to Israel, President Biden and numerous lawmakers are intensifying their pleas for the House to approve the foreign aid package that has already been passed by the Senate.
