Biden calls congressional leaders, urges them to pass aid to allies

President Biden spoke by phone with the top four leaders of Congress on Sunday to push for a supplemental national security bill in the House of Representatives as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) faces increasing pressure to pass the Senate. He emphasized the “urgent need” to pass the bill. He brings the foreign aid package to the floor for a vote.

The White House released a statement saying, The General Secretary (New York State) said it had been “convened for consultation.” “Unprecedented attack on Israel by Iran on Sunday afternoon.”

“During the telephone conversation, the President discussed the urgent need to pass a supplementary national security bill in the House of Representatives as soon as possible,” the statement continued.

schumer confirmed the meeting The statement reiterated U.S. support for Israel following last weekend’s attack on Iran and called on Prime Minister Johnson to pass a national security package that includes aid to both Ukraine and Israel.

“The United States’ commitment to Israel’s security is unwavering,” Schumer said. “We need to help Israel stay strong against Iran.”

“To @SpeakerJohnson — the best way forward is for the House to pass the national security bill that passed the bipartisan Senate,” Schumer added.

Neither Mr. McConnell nor Mr. Jeffries immediately responded to requests for comment after Sunday night’s meeting.

However, in the wake of Iran’s attack on Israel on Saturday, both men issued statements reiterating their support for Israel while urging the House of Representatives to pass a supplementary bill on national security.

“Congress must also do its part. The National Security Supplement, which has been waiting for action for months, will provide critical resources to Israel and our forces in the region,” McConnell said Saturday night. said in a statement. “The Commander-in-Chief and Congress must fulfill their fundamental duties without delay. The consequences of failure are clear, devastating, and avoidable.”

“The world is on fire. We must stand with our Democratic allies against the enemies of freedom. The House must pass a bipartisan national security bill. Tomorrow,” Jeffries said. He spoke on social platform X on Sunday morning.

Mr Biden’s call comes as Mr Johnson faces growing pressure from some members of his own party and many Democrats to bring the national security policy to a vote.

In recent weeks, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to vote on some version of the Ukraine aid bill, but has not said what that bill would look like, amid mounting concerns about declining military supplies in Ukraine. Ta. He was facing threats from within his own council to remove him as chairman and was trying to find a compromise.

But with Israel currently facing serious threats in the region, Biden and many members of Congress are stepping up their calls for the House to pass the foreign aid package passed by the Senate.