Within hours of the stunning attack by Hamas militants in Israel, U.S. lawmakers were quick to promise more aid to America’s closest ally in the Middle East.
Yet those pledges come at a time of deep political dysfunction in Washington, raising questions over how quickly the money can start flowing.
Despite pronouncements of support on both sides of the aisle, there will likely be no fast or easy response until the chaos surrounding the House’s empty speakership is settled. Both candidates for the gavel backed more support for Israel on Saturday, yet the House is still several days away from electing a leader, and the lower chamber remains far from unified on most issues. At the same time, Congress also has to grapple with a looming government shutdown when a funding patch expires Nov. 17.
“There is nothing the House can do until they elect a speaker, and I don’t know if that happens quickly,” former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told Fox News on Saturday.
Israel is attacked & we don’t have:
Ambassador to Israel. Thanks to Rand Paul’s COVID conspiracies.
Vital military appointments. Thanks to Tommy Tuberville’s abortion obsession.
A Speaker. Thanks to Matt Gaetz’s need for attention. Without a speaker y9u can’t move a funding bill.