The US House of Representatives next week will consider and vote on a $17.6 billion aid bill for Israel without new aid to Ukraine, according to a letter from Speaker Mike Johnson to members of the country’s legislature.
⠀
“Given the failure of the Senate to pass appropriate legislation in a timely manner, as well as the dangerous circumstances currently facing Israel, the House of Representatives will continue to play a leadership role,” Johnson said in a letter sent to members of the House.
⠀
As the speaker emphasized, although the US Senate is ready to publish its bill on additional funding for national security purposes, including assistance to Israel and Ukraine, by not including the House of Representatives in their negotiations, senators deprived themselves of the opportunity to quickly consider it.
⠀
The bill, which the House is set to consider next week, proposes to provide Israel with an additional $17.6 billion in support during the current fiscal year until September 30, 2024.
⠀
US officials say they ran out of funds to support Ukraine late last year and, until Congress approves new appropriations, the US is unable to continue supplying arms and ammunition.