412 in Favor: The House Approves Support for Israel

After made Speaker of the House yesterday (Wednesday), Congressman Mike Johnson passed his first act, an expression of support for Israel. The resolution received a crushing majority of 412 in favor vs. 10 opposed and six abstained.

The largely symbolic resolution reaffirms the United States’ commitment to Israel and calls on Hamas to immediately cease all attacks and free all hostages. The opponents explained their decision on the grounds that the resolution does not address Palestinian loss of life.

President Joe Biden asked Congress to approve many billions’ worth of military aid to both Israel and Ukraine. The absence of a Speaker prevented this legislation from advancing. Now that Johnson has been chosen, the budget request is expected to come to a vote in the House soon.