President Biden had a phone call with the top four congressional leaders on Sunday. During the call, he emphasized the pressing need for the House to pass the national security supplemental. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is under increasing pressure to bring the Senate-passed foreign aid package to the floor for a vote.
The White House issued a statement announcing 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.) held a meeting to address the Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel on Sunday afternoon.
According to the statement, the President emphasized the pressing importance of the House of Representatives passing the national security supplemental without delay during the call.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement confirming the meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. In the statement, Schumer emphasized the United States’ unwavering support for Israel, particularly in light of the recent Iranian attack. He also urged Johnson to prioritize the passage of the national security package, which encompasses assistance for both Ukraine and Israel.
Chuck Schumer affirmed the unwavering dedication of the United States to ensuring the security of Israel. In his words, “We must aid Israel in maintaining its strength in the face of Iran.”
Schumer responded to Speaker Johnson by stating that the House should pass the bipartisan national security bill that has already been approved by the Senate.
McConnell and Jeffries did not immediately respond to a request for comment after the meeting on Sunday evening.
They both, however, released statements following the Iranian strikes on Israel on Saturday. In their statements, they reiterated their support for Israel and called on the House to pass the national security supplemental.
In a statement on Saturday night, McConnell emphasized the importance of Congress taking action and fulfilling their responsibilities. He highlighted the significance of the national security supplemental, which has been awaiting action for months. McConnell stated that this supplemental would provide essential resources not only to Israel but also to our own military forces in the region. He stressed that both the Commander-in-Chief and Congress must act promptly to avoid clear and devastating consequences that can be easily prevented.
“The world is engulfed in flames, and it is imperative that we join forces with our Democratic allies to combat the adversaries of freedom. The bipartisan national security bill must be approved by the House without delay,” emphasized Jeffries on the social platform X on a Sunday morning.
Biden’s request comes at a time when Johnson is under increasing pressure from members of his own party and Democrats to bring the national security package up for a vote.
In recent weeks, with growing concerns about Ukraine’s depleting munitions supply, Johnson has made a commitment to bring a Ukraine aid bill to a vote. However, the exact details of this bill have not been specified. Johnson has been navigating the challenge of finding a compromise, as he has faced internal threats within his own conference calling for his removal as Speaker.
Amidst the growing threats faced by Israel in the region, President Biden and numerous legislators are steadfast in their insistence that the House should approve the foreign aid package passed by the Senate.
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