Johnson Plans Individual Vote on Israel Support Bill

Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he expects to take action this week to introduce a standalone funding bill to support Israel, despite President Joe Biden seeking a combined $106 billion aid package for both Israel and Ukraine. In an interview with Fox News this past Sunday, Johnson said, "We will introduce a standalone bill to fund Israel this week in the House," adding that he believes this measure will receive support from both Republican and Democratic parties, and that Republicans will back a similar action in the Senate. Members of the House, where Republicans hold a slim majority, are set to return from recess on Wednesday. Johnson noted that "there are a lot of things happening around the world that we need to deal with, and we will," without specifically addressing the conflict in Ukraine. He continued by saying, "But what is happening now in Israel deserves immediate attention, and we need to focus on this and get it passed."