House Speaker Johnson Proposes Independent Israel Funding Package

House Speaker Mike Johnson Announces Standalone Israel Funding Package

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., made a significant announcement on Saturday, revealing a standalone Israel funding package set to be voted on next week. The decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing impasse over emergency aid that President Joe Biden first put forward in October. In a "Dear Friends" letter, the speaker declared, "Next week, we will take up and pass a clean, standalone Israel supplemental package."

Details of the Proposed Funding Package

The proposed funding package comprises $17.6 billion designated for Israel's military and U.S. military forces in the region, a response to the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. If approved, this financial support would supplement the $14.3 billion previously passed by the House following a Hamas attack on October 7.

Separation from Other Aid Packages

This newly presented bill separates aid to Israel from that of Ukraine, Taiwan, and the U.S. southern border, all of which were interconnected in Biden's initial $105 billion aid proposal. Friction concerning the approach to the U.S. border situation and the allocation of resources for Ukraine's defense against Russia has hindered progress on the passage of Biden's October aid package.

Developing Story

The development of this story is still unfolding, and further updates will be provided. Stay tuned for more information.