WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. House of Representatives will adjust its agenda to consider legislation that supports Israel and holds Iran accountable, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said in a statement on Saturday.
“The House of Representatives stands firmly with Israel and there must be consequences for this unprovoked attack,” he said in a statement. More details will follow, she said.
Scalise’s office did not immediately respond to an inquiry seeking clarification on what legislation would be considered.
It’s unclear whether Scalise was referring to a stand-alone bill to help Israel, or the $95 billion supplemental spending bill that includes $14 billion for Israel, plus $60 billion for Ukraine, support for Taiwan and billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance.
The package passed the Senate with 70% support in February but was blocked in the House, whose Republican leaders will not vote on it, largely because of their opposition to further funding for Ukraine.
The package also faces resistance from a handful of left-wing Democrats who oppose sending more money to Israel as it carries out a military campaign that has killed more than 30,000 civilians in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials.
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell released a statement Saturday night urging the House to move forward with the broader relief bill that includes money for Ukraine and Taiwan. “The national security supplement that has waited months to activate will provide crucial resources to Israel and our own military forces in the region,” the statement read.