Quick Bytes
- White House criticizes Speaker Mike Johnson for not advancing national security funding.
- Claims Johnson’s inaction aids adversaries like Russia and Iran, undermining Ukraine and NATO.
- Johnson’s office rebuts, citing Biden administration’s perceived leniency towards Iran.
- House Republicans accused of delaying aid for Ukraine and allies by prioritizing other issues.
White House Rebukes Speaker Johnson Over Security Funding Stalemate
The White House has publicly reprimanded Speaker Mike Johnson for his refusal to bring a crucial national security funding package to a vote in the House, suggesting that his actions inadvertently benefit U.S. adversaries, Iran and Russia. Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting Iran’s potential provision of ballistic missiles to Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Johnson’s Critique of Biden Administration
Previously, Speaker Johnson had criticized President Biden’s response to an attack on a U.S. base in Jordan. Despite his televised commitment to supporting Ukraine and opposing Iran, Bates argues that Johnson’s current stance aligns more with the interests of Putin and Tehran than with those of the U.S., Ukraine, and NATO allies.
Consequences of Inaction
The White House warns of dire consequences for NATO allies should Russia succeed in Ukraine, emphasizing the depletion of previously approved aid and the need for Congress to authorize additional support. Bates’s memo comes as the latest in a series of confrontations with House Republicans, who have been criticized for their two-week recess and failure to pass bipartisan Senate-approved aid.
Johnson’s Office Responds
In response, Johnson’s office accused the Biden administration of easing sanctions on Iran and hindering aid to Israel, while also forcing Europe to rely on Russian natural gas due to a ban on U.S. LNG export terminals. The Speaker has expressed a desire to discuss funding priorities with President Biden, though the White House has shown little interest in such a meeting.
Senate’s Bipartisan Efforts
The Senate has attempted to advance national security funding through a bipartisan package, but Johnson has dismissed it, demanding executive action on border issues instead. The Senate’s standalone national security funding bill also failed to gain traction in the House due to the absence of border provisions desired by Johnson.
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