US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that a consensus has been reached regarding aid to Ukraine and Israel, urging Congress to expedite the process to deliver support to both nations.
This announcement follows a discussion between President Joe Biden and congressional leaders over a Sunday phone call.
Details of the Consensus
During a press conference in New York, Schumer expressed optimism about the potential for legislative action within the week.
He emphasized that the most effective way to channel aid to both Israel and Ukraine is through the passage of a supplemental national security law by the House of Representatives. This law, which the Senate already approved in February with a package worth $95 billion, has yet to be brought to a vote in the House by Speaker Mike Johnson.
The delay in the House has been a point of contention, with Schumer stating, "The best way to help Israel rebuild its missile and drone defenses is to pass this amendment immediately."
"Israel has spent about a billion dollars on its defense, and the addition to the security law will add to the anti-missile and anti-drone defenses that are in the Arrow, David's Sling, and Iron Dome systems," Schumer added.
Congressional Movements and Challenges
The path forward in the House remains uncertain.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicated that the House plans to "consider legislation that supports our ally Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist associates accountable" within the week. But specifics of the proposed legislation and how it may align with the Senate’s bill remain unclear.
Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the need to "try again" for a vote on military aid to Israel in response to recent attacks by Iran but left open whether support for Ukraine would be included in the same package or addressed separately.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner expressed confidence in a forthcoming vote on aid to Ukraine, anticipating its passage.
Hardline conservatives within the House have voiced opposition to coupling funding for Ukraine with the aid package for Israel.
