The White House is set to host a crucial meeting this Wednesday as President Joe Biden invites the top four congressional leaders to discuss national security funding. The meeting will delve into critical issues such as aid for Ukraine and Israel, border security, and more. The invitation has been extended to Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., alongside key committee chairmen from both parties.
This meeting comes at a pivotal moment for the country, as Congress must quickly pass a short-term funding bill to avoid a potential government shutdown before the money runs out on Friday night. Simultaneously, bipartisan Senate negotiators are working to strike a separate agreement on enhanced border security measures in exchange for additional military aid for Ukraine. However, Speaker Mike Johnson emphasizes that the supplemental package will only gain approval in the lower chamber if it includes the robust House-passed border bill known as H.R. 2.
The news of the White House meeting was first reported by Punchbowl News. Raj Shah, Johnson’s spokesman, later confirmed the attendance of the congressional leaders in a post on Twitter.
This crucial gathering of political heavyweights underscores the urgency of addressing pressing issues related to national security funding. President Biden’s commitment to engaging with leaders from both sides of the aisle demonstrates his determination to find common ground and work towards bipartisan solutions.
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