House Speaker Mike Johnson Calls For America First: Ties Ukraine Aid To This In Brilliant MOVE

He argued that while the United States has a responsibility as a global leader, it must prioritize its own domestic issues.

"We have to take care of our own border first," Johnson stated, responding to criticisms from Democratic chairs of leading congressional caucuses. The Democrats had accused Republicans of attempting to bypass the regular legislative process to push their "extreme, cruel immigration agenda" by exploiting foreign conflicts.

November 06, 2023

Johnson dismissed these claims, asserting that the Republican stance is aligned with the priorities of the American people. "What this is about is advancing the agenda and first priorities of the American people. I don’t know which Democrat gave you that absurd quote, but they clearly are not listening to their constituents," he retorted.

 WATCH:ELON MUSK TALKS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF SELF DRIVING CARS

He further emphasized the importance of border security, suggesting that Democrats were out of touch with their constituents. "Securing our border is an essential priority for the American people. So they’re not listening to their constituents. I think that’s a tone-deaf response," he said.

 WATCH ALAN DERSHOWITZ: "THERE IS NO CRIME IN MANHATTAN"

Johnson argued that coupling aid to Ukraine with border funding resonates with the American public. He said, "If we’re going to protect Ukraine’s border, and we have to do what if necessary there, we don’t want Vladimir Putin to prevail, we can’t afford that, the free world can’t afford that, but we have to take care of our own border first."

 PUTIN'S LATEST POWER MOVE: RUSSIA DISPLAYS "WAR WINS" IN EYE-OPENING EXHIBITION

The House Speaker also highlighted the urgent need for immigration reform, citing over 6.3 million illegal border crossings since President Biden took office. "We cannot continue this, everyone knows it," Johnson said, pointing to issues such as drug trafficking and human smuggling.

 HOW DEMOCRATS' ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS ARE TURNING INTO THEIR WORST NIGHTMARE

Johnson revealed that he has been working on a stop-gap measure in anticipation of the Nov. 17 deadline for appropriations bills. He pledged to continue working in good faith to ensure the appropriations process continues.

"We’re committed to bringing 12 bills to the floor as the statutory law requires Congress to do that hasn’t been done in many years, but again we’re changing the way Washington works because we believe it needs to be more accountable and more transparent for the people," he said.

 "BITCOIN JESUS" BUSTED: $48 MILLION TAX EVASION SCHEME UNRAVELS

In response to the large anti-Israel demonstration in Washington, D.C., Johnson expressed surprise at the "level of antisemitism that has sprung up around the country." He also defended the House proposal of emergency immediate funding for Israel, which he helped pass hours after becoming speaker, against criticism from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

 FIFTH VICTIM FOUND AND IDENTIFIED IN KEY BRIDGE COLLAPSE

Schumer had argued that the measure "wastes precious time at moment when we need to help Israel, Ukraine and send humanitarian aid to Gaza ASAP." Johnson countered that the $14.5 billion proposal is facing criticism because House Republicans are "trying to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ resources" by offsetting the spending instead of printing more money or borrowing funds to help fulfill obligations to allies.

Johnson proposed reallocating funds from the $67 billion set aside for the IRS to protect Israel. He said, "We believe in prioritizing the protection of Israel over hiring more IRS agents."