President Biden Urges House Republicans to Pass Foreign Aid Bill

President Biden has made an emphatic appeal to House Republicans, pressing for swift approval of a monumental $95 billion foreign aid bill. This notable bill includes substantial aid for Ukraine and Israel. The Senate set the stage in a landmark early Tuesday decision, passing the bill with a significant majority. President Biden expressed confidence that the proposed bill would resonate similarly in the House, promising a successful outcome if brought to the floor.

Addressing the nation from the White House, President Biden advocated for the Speaker to ensure that the bill receives a fair chance at a vote in the House. He cautioned against a minority of extreme voices potentially hindering the bill’s progress. He passionately underscored the necessity for the House to move forward with this bill, terming it a “critical act.”

Reflecting on the Senate’s decision, President Biden lauded their show of unity. He described it as a powerful global statement and recommended House Republicans to echo this sentiment by promptly passing the bill. The proposed legislation promises hefty aid packages to U.S. allies, with around $60 billion designated for Ukraine and $14.1 billion for Israel. Further, about $9.2 billion has been allocated for humanitarian assistance in Gaza. A bipartisan group of senators rallied around the bill, propelling it to passage. However, recent scrutiny from House Speaker Mike Johnson casts a shadow of uncertainty over its fate in the lower chamber.

President Biden voiced a fervent plea to Speaker Johnson to advance the bill. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, indicating that the bill’s passage is essential for Ukraine to continue its defense against what he characterized as Putin’s “vicious onslaught.”

President Biden framed the bipartisan bill as a clear and resounding message to the world. He emphasized, “America stands for freedom, can be relied upon, and is trustworthy.” The president took a firm stance, asserting America’s unwavering support for its allies and its refusal to be intimidated by Vladimir Putin.

Presenting the House with two choices, he urged them to either take a stand against the Kremlin by backing the bill or risk aiding Putin’s agenda by opposing the package.

President Biden underlined the significance of the moment, cautioning, “History is watching,” and warned that failing to support Ukraine at this pivotal time would not be easily forgotten. He also took the opportunity to express strong disapproval of former President Donald Trump’s recent comments. Trump had suggested that he might withhold protection from NATO member countries that do not adequately fund their defense. Biden contended that these comments have heightened the stakes for American security and essentially extended an “invitation” to Putin to invade NATO allies.

In a stern rebuttal of Trump’s remarks, President Biden defended NATO as a “sacred commitment.” He criticized Trump’s perception of it as a burden and emphasized that the alliance benefits the U.S. He also warned that U.S. adversaries have long wished to see cracks within NATO. Wrapping up his address, he suggested that these adversaries would have been encouraged by Trump’s comments.