Speaker Johnson Defends Israel Aid Package Amid Senate, White House Criticism

‘We’re trying to change how Washington works,’ he said.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) speaks as House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) listens during a news briefing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Nov. 2, 2023. Alex Wong/Getty Images

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Nov. 5 defended the $14 billion Israel aid package that was approved by the House last week amid criticism from the Senate and White House.

Mr. Johnson’s proposal would allocate about $14 billion in aid to Israel, paid for by an equal cut to IRS funding—an offset that’s unpopular, particularly among Democrats.