October 31 – With Representative Mike Johnson taking over the speakership for the US House of Representatives last week, his top priority is getting aid to Israel.
The package he unveiled yesterday was over $13 billion, which was actually a little more than President Joe Biden requested.
Johnson wants to offset the bill with companion cuts to the IRS, specifically the new IRS funding.
Attorney Clint Barkdoll said, “There’s been immediate pushback on this, including some Republicans in the Senate saying no way is this going to pass. Unclear where this goes. Some other key people yesterday, including Mike Pompeo, came out saying Congress needs to get these packages passed and don’t fool around with a lot of games because Israel needs this money. Pompeo is also backing more aid for Ukraine.”
Pat Ryan of NewsTalk 103.7FM asked, “What stupid Republican is pushing back on lowering whatever money that the IRS is getting? I want some names out of that one because it was we’re going to add how many IRS agents to come after the little guy? Don’t think for a hot second they’re going after the rich and famous. They’re going after you.”
Barkdoll said, “It’s a range of Republicans – some may and may not surprise you.”
Senator Susan Collins was very critical of the proposal.
Barkdoll added, “On the House side, James Comer and Marjorie Taylor Greene. They’re not critical of the IRS cuts. What they’re critical of is that Johnson is focusing this as his first agenda item. They want more attention on southern border security. They think he’s wasting too much capital focusing on Israel. So it seems like there may be some factions developing within the Republican caucus. This will be a test for him.”
Ryan suggested, “Point back at the Democrats there who put Taiwan, the southern border, Ukraine and Israel altogether. All right to package Israel together with the southern border. And park Ukraine. They’ve got enough money that’s been unaccounted for.”
