In the wake of Iran's recent large-scale attack on Israel, House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana is facing increasing pressure to bring a foreign aid package to a vote. The package, which includes funding for Ukraine and Taiwan, was approved by the Senate back in February but has been languishing in the House ever since.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, criticized Johnson for failing to take action on the $95 billion package, urging him to bring it to a vote immediately. Jeffries emphasized the gravity of recent events in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, calling for Congress to pass the bipartisan national security bill without delay.

Echoing Jeffries' sentiments, House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts also urged Johnson to hold an immediate vote on the Senate bill. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have also joined in pushing for a House vote on the aid package.

Schumer emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting the vital importance of providing assistance to Israel and Ukraine. McConnell echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that two months have passed since the Senate passed the bill and stressing the need for swift action.

During a phone call with President Biden on Sunday, Schumer, McConnell, Johnson, and Jeffries discussed the pressing need for foreign aid. They expressed consensus on the importance of aiding both Israel and Ukraine.

Johnson, speaking on Fox News, confirmed that the House would make another attempt to pass wartime aid for Israel. However, it remains unclear if the funding for Ukraine and Taiwan will be included in this measure. Johnson mentioned that the details of the package are still being worked out, considering various options and supplemental issues.

For months, Johnson has faced pressure from defense hawks in both parties to pass the foreign aid legislation, particularly to fulfill the U.S. commitment to assist Ukraine in its conflict against Russia. Despite considering alternative ways to deliver the funding, such as through a loan, Johnson has yet to present a concrete plan.

The recent attack on Israel has brought renewed urgency to the situation and the need to advance the Senate bill in the House. However, this challenge also threatens Johnson's leadership role, as he faces pushback from the right-wing of his party, who oppose providing further assistance to Ukraine.

The conservative House Freedom Caucus has warned Johnson against using the situation in Israel to pass aid for Ukraine. They made it clear that while they stand with Israel, they will not support passing Ukraine aid without proper offsets and security measures.

The White House has voiced its opposition to passing a standalone bill for Israel, emphasizing the importance of supporting both Israel and Ukraine. White House spokesman John Kirby stressed the need for swift action in aiding both nations, highlighting the bipartisan bill passed by the Senate as the best way to provide aid to the Israeli Defense Forces and Ukrainian soldiers.

As pressure mounts on Speaker Johnson, the fate of the foreign aid package hangs in the balance. The urgency to deliver assistance to Israel and Ukraine is clear, but the divisive political landscape and opposing views within Johnson's own party add complexity to the situation.