House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans in the chamber are working together on various funding bills.
After electing a new Speaker, House Republicans hope to go forward with a new legislative agenda that includes funding for Israel, the US-Mexico border, and Ukraine.
Speaker Mike Johnson, who was elected only a week ago, informed Republican Senators on Wednesday that his members will vote on a budget proposal that combines U.S. border protection with new Ukraine aid. The bill will be put to a vote as soon as lawmakers approve the $14.5 billion Israel aid package.
The emergency funding for Israel necessitate that the $14.5 billion be offset by changes to Internal Revenue Service monies, which President Biden and Congress have proposed.
The legislation might be debated on the floor as soon as this week.
Looking ahead, Johnson stated that the House expects to adopt a stopgap package to finance the government through next year in order to avert a federal shutdown on Nov. 17 when current funding expires. He also stated that he spoke privately with Republican senators to establish the agenda and begin garnering support across the Capitol.
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“We’re going to deliver for the people and get it done,” Johnson declared at the Capitol during a live episode of “Hannity!”
During the conference with Senators, Johnson argued that Ukraine requires US assistance as it fights Russia, but he rejected President Biden’s nearly $106 billion extra financing proposal.
Senators J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., both of whom oppose additional aid to Ukraine, affirmed that the Ukraine-US border package will be the “next order of business” following the Israel package.
They also stated their Republican colleagues wished the new speaker well.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said Johnson gives the appearance that he wants to fund the government responsibly.
“We want to make sure that we want Ukraine to win, but we’ve got to do all these things in a responsible manner and in the right process,” he told reporters.
However, Senate Democrats are poised to reject a stand-alone proposal in support of Israel, while the country fights Hamas in Gaza.
According to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, an Israel-only policy is doomed in the Senate.
The Republican-led attempt in the House comes at the same time that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is working to tie aid to Taiwan and financing for US border security.
McConnell also stated that Democrats “will have to accept” that no Ukraine assistance would be approved until strong border security measures are included in the agreement.
