US House Speaker Johnson to Present Israel Bill for Vote Despite Deficit Concerns, Reports Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans on Wednesday to proceed with a vote on a standalone aid bill for Israel, despite a report from the Congressional Budget Office indicating that the measure could contribute to an increase in the federal deficit.

In his first significant legislative action, Johnson and House Republicans introduced a bill on Monday proposing $14.3 billion in aid for Israel, funded by cuts to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The House is expected to vote on this bill, which is likely to pass with Republican backing as early as Thursday. However, the legislation is not expected to become law due to strong opposition in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where a veto threat from the White House looms.

Both Democrats and some Republicans have expressed reservations about the plan, favoring President Joe Biden’s proposal for a larger $106 billion package that includes funding for Ukraine, enhanced border security, humanitarian assistance, and measures to counter China, along with financial support for Israel.

While Johnson previously opposed aid to Ukraine, Republican Senator Josh Hawley revealed that he supports some assistance for Ukraine, but prefers it be separate from Israel funding. Johnson’s office did not respond to requests for clarification on his position.

In an interview with Fox News, Johnson stated that Ukraine funding would be associated with border security initiatives, saying, "Those two things are going to be handled together."

The Congressional Budget Office reported that the proposed IRS funding cuts and Israel aid could add nearly $30 billion to the current U.S. budget deficit of approximately $1.7 trillion. Johnson dismissed the CBO’s assessment, asserting, "We don’t put much credence in what the CBO says."

For any legislation to become law, it must pass through the House and Senate and receive Biden’s signature.

Democrats criticized Johnson and his Republican colleagues for promoting a partisan bill instead of collaborating on a measure that could expedite an effective response to the crisis following the October 7 assault on Israel by Iran-backed Hamas militants from Gaza.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer indicated on Tuesday that the bill would not be welcomed in the Senate, and the Biden administration confirmed that the president would veto it if presented, labeling it "bad for Israel, for the Middle East region, and for our own national security."