The White House is employing a new messaging strategy to push House members to support the national security supplemental, asserting that not passing the bill would benefit Iran. The administration argues that Iran is supporting Russia in its war on Ukraine and has longstanding ties with Hamas. The memo, drafted by deputy press secretary Andrew Bates, contends that voting against the aid package is tantamount to appeasing and empowering the Iranian regime.
The document emphasizes Iran’s role in supporting Putin’s war effort in Ukraine, providing weapons and financial support, and even considering supplying Russia with short-range ballistic missiles. It also highlights Ukrainian intelligence indicating that Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members are training Russian drone operators. The memo aims to shame House Republicans into backing the aid package by linking their opposition to supporting Iranian interests.
The administration, acknowledging the need for persuasion, points out that opposing the legislation aligns with Russia’s interests and indirectly criticizes former President Donald Trump, alluding to “unhinged, irresponsible voices on the right” encouraging Russia’s actions and advocating for NATO’s unraveling.
As the $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan moves to the House after passing the Senate, Speaker Mike Johnson warns he may not bring it up for a vote due to the lack of funding for border security. The White House is gearing up to advocate for the supplemental within Congress and in public discourse.
While the passage of the aid package faces uncertainty, lawmakers from both parties express overall support for the measure, emphasizing the need to reach the House floor for a vote.
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