In a recent development, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, both Republicans from Louisiana, have come forward to defend the cuts to IRS funding in a bill passed by the GOP-led House. The bill aims to provide approximately $14 billion in aid to Israel amidst its ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The Israel aid bill, championed by Johnson, was passed last week in the House with a vote of 226-196, largely along party lines. A dozen Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the measure, while two Republicans opposed it. However, it appears unlikely that the bill will survive the Senate, as Democrats have made it clear that they do not support it. President Joe Biden has also vowed to veto the bill.

One of the primary concerns raised by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other congressional Democrats is the impact of the bill on the deficit. They pointed to a Congressional Budget Office report that estimated the legislation would add nearly $27 billion to the deficit.

Johnson, speaking on "Fox News Sunday," defended the GOP's stance, emphasizing their commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayers' resources. He explained that Republicans aim to offset spending rather than resorting to printing more money or borrowing, in order to support international allies such as Israel. "We want to pay for it, what a concept. We are trying to change how Washington works," Johnson stated.

Responding to criticism from Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Pennsylvania Democrat who accused Johnson of prioritizing "deficit-busting tax giveaways for the wealthy over helping Israel," Johnson assured that their priorities were being addressed and that the process was underway. He emphasized the importance of proceeding in the proper order.

Scalise, in an interview on ABC News' "This Week," also stood by the decision to cut IRS funding in the Republican-led Israel aid bill. He emphasized the dual concerns addressed by the legislation, stating that aid to Israel was crucial, while also acknowledging that the national debt represented a significant threat.

A number of Democrats who voted against the bill expressed their support for aid to Israel but cited concerns over the cuts to the IRS funding. The funding was initially intended to strengthen tax enforcement and generate more revenue.

Meanwhile, President Biden and Senate Democrats have expressed their support for a broader aid package, which includes $106 billion in aid for both Israel and Ukraine, as well as humanitarian aid for Gaza and funding for U.S. border operations.

Considering the opposition from Senate Democrats, Schumer declared that the GOP's Israel aid bill would not be taken seriously in the Senate. He commended President Biden for issuing a veto threat and affirmed that the flawed proposal would not be considered by the Senate.

While the fate of the GOP-led Israel aid bill remains uncertain, the debate over IRS funding cuts continues to spark heated discussions among lawmakers. As the bill faces significant challenges ahead, it remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved and if a compromise can be reached to support both international aid and fiscal responsibility.