House Prioritizes Israel Support Bill in Wake of Iranian Attack, Stalls Ukraine Aid

"In light of Iran’s unjustified attack on Israel, the House will move from its previously announced legislative schedule next week to instead consider legislation that supports our ally Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable," Scalise wrote, the second in the Republican party hierarchy in the House. "The House of Representatives stands strongly with Israel, and there must be consequences for this unprovoked attack," he added, promising to present details of the project soon.

The Iranian attack was condemned by leaders of both parties, including the sharp critic of Benjamin Netanyahu's government and Democratic leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, who recently called for new elections in that country. Meanwhile, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson criticized President Biden for "appeasement" of Iran and announced that he would "demand a proper response" to Tehran’s attack.

In response to Saturday’s attack, some Democratic congressmen called on Johnson to put to a vote a bill passed by the Senate in February, which provides approximately £49 billion in support for Ukraine and about £11 billion for Israel. Both Johnson and Scalise seemed to exclude such a possibility, instead proposing an alternative package, turning the grant for Ukraine into loans in line with Trump's wishes.