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House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to push for aid to Israel and Ukraine this week as part of a national security package. The move comes in response to recent attacks on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has announced his intention to push for aid to Israel and Ukraine this week. This comes as part of a national security package that Johnson has been working on for several months. The package, worth $95 billion, is intended to provide support to U.S. allies, as well as humanitarian aid for civilians in Ukraine and Gaza.
The move comes in response to Iran launching a massive drone strike against Northern Israel, with over 200 drones and cruise missiles intercepted by Israel's defense systems. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on April 1 that eliminated seven senior Iranian military officials, including two generals, in Damascus, Syria.
Speaking with Fox News, Johnson stated that he and other Republicans "understand the necessity of standing with Israel," and that he would be advancing the aid this week. "The details of that package are being put together right now," he said. "We're looking at the options and all these supplemental issues."
Support for the aid package is not limited to Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has also expressed his support, stating that there was a consensus "among all the leaders that we had to help Israel and help Ukraine." President Joe Biden has also spoken in favor of the package, with the White House stating that the president "discussed the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible."
The aid package is seen as vital for the future of Ukraine and Israel, as well as the West. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the recent attacks on Israel, the need for support is more urgent than ever. As such, the passage of the aid package will be a key focus for Johnson and other leaders in the coming week.