The White House convened a meeting with prominent House lawmakers on Friday to deliberate plans for providing aid to Israel as it battles Hamas. This meeting was a prelude to the Biden administration’s forthcoming request for additional funding to bolster Israel’s military and defense capabilities, slated for next week, according to press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Key Meeting Attendees
The group of lawmakers involved in this crucial meeting included Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a leading Democratic appropriator, as well as the heads of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and ranking member Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.). Additionally, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), who is currently serving as the acting House speaker, was in attendance.
Speaker Impasse and Resource Needs
This meeting occurred amidst ongoing efforts within the House Republican Party to elect a new speaker, as they have been without one for several days. The situation has remained unresolved, with Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the current lead candidate, lacking the necessary votes to secure the speakership.
Gregory Meeks expressed concern about the absence of a speaker, stating that the White House is anxious due to the necessity of resources for both Ukraine and Israel. The White House is committed to ensuring that Israel and Ukraine receive the support they require during these challenging times.
Bipartisan Support for Israel
Both Democratic and Republican leaders have pledged their unwavering support for Israel in response to the recent terror attacks by Hamas. This includes approving additional funding for security assistance. However, the ability of the House to act on such legislation remains uncertain until a new speaker is selected.
Proposals for Temporary Authority
In an attempt to address this issue, four centrist Democrats have proposed granting temporary authority to Patrick McHenry to handle urgent bills, including an aid package, in exchange for increased Democratic control over the House calendar. Nonetheless, Republicans have not yet shown an inclination to reach a bipartisan agreement.
Tying Aid to Israel and Ukraine
The White House has suggested linking the aid for Israel to the funding it plans to request for Ukraine. Some House Republicans have expressed concerns that this strategy may jeopardize support for the entire package.
Focus on the Situation in Israel and Ukraine
A representative from the White House National Security Council indicated that the Friday meeting aimed to brief key leaders about the severity of the situations in Israel and Ukraine.
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