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The deadlock within U.S. House Republicans regarding the selection of their future speaker, as stated by House Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul, is putting several crucial national security objectives at risk, including the provision of aid to Israel.
In an interview on Tuesday, the Austin Republican emphasized the global attention on us, emphasizing that we are not isolated within the confines of D.C. The situation demands immediate action, as it is crucial for us to put an end to political maneuvers, select a speaker, and effectively govern.
While the House is in the process of choosing a new speaker, all other matters are put on hold. Consequently, crucial defense aid for U.S. allies such as Israel and Ukraine remains in limbo, despite the fact that a significant majority of Congress backs the assistance to Israel after the recent attacks.
Over the weekend, Israel endured a series of rocket attacks and a ground invasion that resulted in the tragic loss of over 700 Israeli lives and 11 American citizens. Additionally, hundreds of people are being held hostage in Gaza. The responsibility for these attacks lies with Hamas, a militant group that has held control over the Gaza Strip since 2007. Western governments have widely condemned these actions as acts of terrorism. It is important to note that Israel and Egypt have enforced a comprehensive blockade on Gaza, which includes restrictions on land, air, and sea access. In response to these attacks, Israel’s conservative government has pledged to escalate its retaliation by cutting off resources to the Gaza Strip and conducting targeted strikes in the region.
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden expressed his determination to urge Congress to promptly allocate funds for the security needs of vital allies such as Israel and Ukraine. Earlier this year, McCaul’s committee granted authorization for $3.3 billion to support Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, and approximately $420 million has been allocated through defense funding legislation.
On Tuesday, McCaul spearheaded a large bipartisan coalition of nearly 400 members who introduced a resolution expressing unwavering support for Israel and denouncing Hamas. Democratic Representative Joaquin Castro from San Antonio, who is also a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was one of the initial sponsors of the resolution. The majority of Texas representatives, including both staunch conservatives like Ronny Jackson and progressives like Lloyd Doggett, have signed onto the resolution, and more members continue to join the cause as the evening progresses.
However, without a speaker directing floor action in the House, none of that aid money or legislative action can progress.
McCaul expressed his belief that the eight Republicans who voted to remove McCarthy did not consider the potential national security consequences until the recent events unfolded, highlighting the dangerous nature of the world we live in. He emphasized the seriousness of the matter, acknowledging that while some may have had valid concerns, others simply had personal issues.
This is not a new experience for the Texan individual. Back in January, the House encountered a delay of one week due to a prolonged process of 15 voting rounds to elect McCarthy as the speaker of the House. Throughout this period, the swearing-in of members and the organization and functioning of committees were put on hold.
McCaul lamented at the time that the pause could be a national security threat by blocking members from accessing sensitive information or conducting congressional oversight functions.
Republicans are already divided over aid money to Ukraine, with conservative members opposing additional funding. The allocation of funds has become a crucial issue in the speaker fight, as candidates present their arguments.
On Tuesday evening, House Republicans will convene a meeting to receive inputs from two candidates contending for the speakership: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan. The Republicans aim to select their nominee for the speakership on Wednesday, prior to a comprehensive vote within the House.
In order to prevent a repeat of the tumultuous January speaker election, Republicans aim to steer clear of the chaos caused by a faction of far-right members advocating for rule changes to amplify their influence within the party. As a result, the focus has shifted towards identifying a candidate who can unite the party rather than emphasizing specific policy positions.
Despite their shared affiliation with the Republican party, Scalise and Jordan are at odds within the conference. Scalise, who climbed the ranks of Republican leadership through the established hierarchy and had a close relationship with McCarthy, stands on one side. On the other side, Jordan, a co-founder of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, has displayed skepticism towards providing ongoing assistance to Ukraine.
The Texas delegation follows suit. Slightly more than 50% of Texas Republicans have declared their support for either Scalise or Jordan in the speaker race, and they are almost evenly divided between the two candidates.
McCaul refrained from disclosing his preferred candidate and anticipated that the majority of the delegation would only unite behind one candidate once they have heard from all the contenders.
According to McCaul, when we display governmental dysfunction, it undermines the strength of our democracy. This is precisely what our adversaries find gratifying.
