Biden’s initial clash with Johnson might revolve around Ukraine aid.
President Biden’s First Showdown with Speaker Johnson: Funding for Israel and Ukraine
The battle between President Joe Biden and Speaker Mike Johnson has already begun. Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has rejected Biden’s $106 billion supplemental funding request, which aimed to provide financial support for both Israel and Ukraine. Instead, Johnson is pushing for a bill that focuses solely on funding for Israel.
Immediate Attention to Israel
“There are lots of things going on around the world that we have to address, and we will, but right now, what’s happening in Israel takes the immediate attention, and I think we’ve got to separate that and get it through. I believe there’ll be bipartisan support for that, and I’m going to push very hard for it,” Johnson said on Fox News over the weekend.
This divide arises as some conservatives in the House express skepticism towards funding for Ukraine without a clear end goal for the ongoing war. They argue against what they perceive as a “blank check” policy. However, there are other partisan factors at play. Johnson aims to fund $14.3 billion for Israel by cutting an equal amount from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that was allocated under the Inflation Reduction Act.
The Inflation Reduction Act is one of Biden’s significant legislative achievements since taking office, and the White House strongly opposes Johnson’s proposal.
“Despite strong bipartisan agreement that the United States must support Israel as it defends itself after the worst terrorist attack in its history, House Republicans are engaging in a dangerous political stunt that for the first time in American history demands emergency national security funding be fully offset,” read a memo from White House spokesman Andrew Bates.
The White House further argues that cutting IRS funding would “increase our deficit by actively helping the rich and big corporations cheat on their taxes, forcing more of the tax burden onto middle-class families and working Americans,” as stated by Bates. In response, the Biden administration issued a veto threat on Tuesday night.
Biden’s opposition means that most, if not all, Democrats in Congress will vote against Johnson’s proposal. Even if it passes in the House, the bill faces a challenging path in the Senate, which is under Democratic control and includes several Ukraine hawks within the GOP ranks.
However, Johnson’s proposal highlights his conservative credentials and may foreshadow future clashes between the two leaders in Washington. Biden himself is a staunch supporter of Israel, and Johnson is banking on public pressure favoring Israel over the IRS.
Biden initially requested $106 billion to address Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and border security, with the latter being a major point of contention with Republicans. Out of this total, $61.4 billion would be allocated to Ukraine, and $14.3 billion to Israel, mirroring Johnson’s proposal. Biden made his case for the spending in a prime-time Oval Office address.
“Hamas and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin represent different threats, but they share this in common: They both want to completely annihilate a neighboring democracy,” the president said from behind the Resolute Desk. “American leadership is what holds the world together.”
There are other sticking points in Biden’s proposal, such as approximately $9 million designated for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Some Republicans, including senators, argue that this funding is ill-advised as it could be co-opted by Hamas.
“Sending aid to the Palestinians in Gaza is akin to funneling aid directly to Hamas,” a group of 12 Republican senators wrote in a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “The president’s decision to allocate additional funding, in addition to the $100 million in aid previously announced, will inevitably end up in the hands of a genocidal Palestinian terrorist organization that has evidenced its desire to destroy the Jewish state.”
Nevertheless, due to pressure from the Democratic Party’s left wing to support civilians in Gaza, the Biden administration is likely to insist on maintaining the aid. Pro-Palestinian protesters have repeatedly disrupted Senate hearings on Israel funding.
The White House press briefing was dominated by questions about Israel and Gaza, reflecting the significance of the issue.
“There shouldn’t be any political games played with our national security,” national security spokesman John Kirby said. “[Johnson’s bill] doesn’t meet our national security needs. As commander in chief, the president will never do anything that doesn’t meet our key national security needs.”
In the end, Benjamin Radd, a global studies lecturer at UCLA, predicts that both Ukraine and Israel will receive their aid.
“On the Republican side, it’s a fight over who can be more supportive of Israel, by and large,” he said. ”Both countries will get their funding. They just have to play this game first.”
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
What implications does the Biden-Johnson showdown over funding for Israel and Ukraine have for future debates and negotiations on foreign aid and national security issues
S about showing up for our friends and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those who share our values.”
Despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, Biden and Johnson’s disagreement over funding highlights the complex dynamics of foreign policy and budgetary decisions. Finding a balance between supporting allies and addressing domestic concerns remains a significant challenge for any administration.
As the battle over funding for Israel and Ukraine unfolds, it remains to be seen how President Biden and Speaker Johnson will navigate their differences. Both leaders have strong agendas and support within their respective parties, making it unlikely for either side to back down easily.
Ultimately, the outcome of this clash will not only impact the immediate funding for Israel and Ukraine but also set a precedent for future debates and negotiations on foreign aid and national security issues. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the situation in Ukraine are complex and multifaceted, requiring careful consideration and strategic decision-making.
As the standoff continues, it is essential for both sides to find common ground and prioritize the needs and interests of all parties involved. Collaboration and compromise should be at the forefront of these discussions, as the stakes are high and the consequences far-reaching.
President Biden’s first showdown with Speaker Johnson over funding for Israel and Ukraine is a pivotal moment in his presidency. It sets the tone for future negotiations and demonstrates the challenges of balancing domestic priorities with international commitments.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing remains clear – the relationship between the executive and legislative branches will continue to be tested as the Biden administration tackles pressing issues at home and abroad. Both leaders must navigate these challenges with diplomacy, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the American people and its allies.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Auto Amazon Links: Could not resolve the given unit type, . Please be sure to update the auto-insert definition if you have deleted the unit.