In first act, new US House speaker introduces resolution in support of Israel

Congressman Mike Johnson (R-LA) was elected as the new speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, replacing Kevin McCarthy. His first act serving in that role was to introduce a resolution in support of Israel, adding that it was “overdue.”

“Our nation’s greatest ally in the Middle East is under attack. The first bill that I’m going to bring to this floor in just a little while will be in support of our dear friend Israel,” Johnson said during his acceptance speech. “We’re overdue in getting that done.”

“We’re going to show not only Israel but the entire world that the barbarism of Hamas that we have all seen play out on our television screens is wretched and wrong, and we are going to stand for the good in that conflict,” he added.

The non-binding resolution states that the U.S. “stands with Israel” and “condemns Hamas’ brutal war.”

It also calls on the Iranian-backed terror organization to stop its attacks on Israel and release the more than 200 hostages it has taken to Gaza. The resolution passed 412 to 10 with nine Democrats and one Republican voting against the resolution.

Johnson said that one of his first activities as House speaker will be to provide more financial aid to Israel.

“Israel is a separate matter – we are going to bring forward a standalone Israel funding measure (of) over $14 billion,” Johnson said in an interview with Fox News channel on Wednesday.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman posted his praise of Johnson on X, formerly Twitter.

“Congratulations to our new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Tammy and I remember fondly our dinner at the Jerusalem Embassy with your wife, the Jordan’s, and some of my family. Your commitment to Israel and it security was apparent to us from the moment we met,” Friedman wrote.

“Mike Johnson’s opening remarks as speaker – some of the most moving words I have heard from that podium. He promised that the first bill he will bring to the floor will be an aid package for Israel (greeted by bipartisan raucous applause). God bless USA!” Friedman added.

Sandra Parker, chairwoman of the Christians United for Israel Action Fund, praised Johnson for being “a longtime supporter of Israel.”

“We are extremely pleased the House will now be able to function properly. Now that the House is finally in order, there are several highly pressing items Congress must advance,” Parker said.

Norm Coleman, national chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition, said that under Johnson’s speakership, the House “can put forward the necessary legislation to get our government and our country back on the right track.”

“We stand in a difficult moment: Our ally Israel is at war with brutal terrorists, Iran is menacing the Middle East, and China and Russia are watching for an opening to achieve their aspirations against American interests,” Coleman added.

“Working Americans are struggling with higher prices for food, fuel and housing, while millions of illegal aliens are flooding across our southern border.”