McCaul asserts that the presence of a Speaker is imperative in order to restore support for Israel's Iron Dome.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) emphasized the criticality of electing a Speaker to secure resources for Israel and demonstrate unwavering support in light of Hamas's assaults on the nation.
"We must elect a Speaker this week to facilitate vital discussions, such as bolstering the Iron Dome, passing a bipartisan resolution denouncing Hamas for their actions against Israel," stated McCaul during an interview on CNN's "State of the Union."
"We aim to present this resolution for unanimous consent, irrespective of whether a Speaker is in place, as time is of the essence. We must convey our message promptly," McCaul added.
McCaul's remarks follow a devastating attack by Hamas on Saturday morning, resulting in the loss of numerous Israeli lives. Officials have described this incident as one of the most severe since the Yom Kippur War in 1973.
Furthermore, his comments come in the aftermath of a historic House vote last Tuesday, in which former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was removed, leaving a vacant position as the third-highest-ranking official in the United States government. Eight Republicans joined ranks with the Democrats to oppose McCarthy.
Leading contenders in the race include Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), although, as of Sunday afternoon, neither candidate appears to have gained the necessary votes to secure a majority. House Republicans are set to convene on Tuesday for a candidate forum to narrow down the field and determine a single candidate capable of securing majority support in the closely divided chamber.
McCaul also cautioned against the message conveyed to adversaries of the United States by the vacancy in the Speakership.
When asked whether Congress can pass additional aid to Israel in the absence of a Speaker, McCaul responded, "Well, it is not an ideal situation. I did not support the removal of the Speaker. I deemed it to be perilous."
"Considering the threats looming around the world, what message are we sending to our opponents when we cannot govern effectively? When dysfunction cripples us? When there is no Speaker of the House?" McCaul continued. "I mean, how does Chairman Xi Jinping in China perceive this when he asserts that democracy is ineffective? How does the Ayatollah in Iran view our predicament, knowing that our ability to function optimally is compromised? It sends a dismal message."
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