The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: Mike Johnson’s National Security Agenda
Jul 4, 2025
Molly Reynolds, a Lawfare Senior Editor and Brookings Senior Fellow, joins Benjamin Wittes to discuss the national security challenges facing the newly appointed Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. They dive into critical topics such as aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, revealing the complexities of military funding amid potential government shutdowns. The conversation also touches on the divided Republican perspectives on Ukraine support and the legislative hurdles surrounding national security funding, all underscoring the urgent and interconnected nature of these issues.
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Johnson's Israel-Only Aid Strategy
- Mike Johnson's initial legislative action was to pass $14.3 billion in aid solely for Israel, separate from aid for Ukraine and other security concerns.
- This separation highlights the complex interplay of domestic politics and international security aid in Congress.
IRS Offsets Complicate Israel Aid
- The challenge to Israel aid passing in the House was internal Republican opposition demanding offsets, leading to controversial IRS enforcement budget cuts.
- Offsets, though politically motivated, do not actually reduce spending but decrease government revenue.
Declining Support for Ukraine Aid
- Support for Ukraine aid in the House Republican conference is declining, making its passage harder than Israel aid.
- The division deepens as the Senate still strongly supports Ukraine aid, complicating legislative dynamics.