House Speaker Johnson Advocates for Prudent U.S. Support to Israel Amid National Debt Concerns
In a recent conversation with FOX News, House Speaker Mike Johnson elucidated the U.S.'s staunch support for Israel while emphasizing fiscal responsibility at home.
Speaker Johnson highlighted the House's intention to present a $14.5 billion support bill for Israel. Unlike other federal aid, this support will be contingent on corresponding budgetary "pay-for's" instead of merely minting the required funds. Johnson emphasized that each allocated dollar should correspond to a cut in another sector, emphasizing the need for fiscal prudence.
Addressing potential U.S. military involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Johnson expressed hope to avoid deploying American troops. He reiterated to the White House the constitutional provision that Congress, not the executive branch, holds the power to declare war.
Having previously met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Johnson expressed solidarity with Israel. Acknowledging the nation's daily existential threats, he emphasized the pivotal role of U.S. support in ensuring Israel's survival.
Drawing upon former President Ronald Reagan's stance, Johnson underlined the need for the U.S. to project a commitment to defending freedom to prevent genuine military conflicts.
While some Republicans favor a more isolationist foreign policy approach, particularly given America's $33.6 trillion debt, Johnson acknowledged the U.S.'s responsibility to support "nations of free people around the world." However, he stressed the priority of addressing domestic challenges first.
Johnson criticized policy decisions since the Trump era, attributing the current economic downturn to these changes. He lauded the economic highs achieved during the Trump administration, attributing them to tax cuts, regulatory rollbacks, and expanded energy production. Johnson called on Democrats to consider the tangible impacts of their policies.
Acknowledging the slim Republican majority, Johnson emphasized the need for intra-party compromise, invoking Reagan's sentiment of accepting a significant portion of desired outcomes over risking total loss.
Johnson optimistically asserted, "God is not done with America yet," drawing attention to historical moments when the U.S. sought divine guidance in crises. He emphasized the national motto, "In God We Trust," underscoring its profound significance beyond being a mere slogan.
