US President Joe Biden briefly addressed reporters before his meeting Tuesday morning with the Democratic and Republican leaders of both the House and Senate, the White House press pool reported.
The meeting included the "Big Four" leaders, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
Also in the meeting were Vice President Kamala Harris, CIA Director Bill Burns and Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young.
Biden stressed the passing of the bipartisan national security supplemental as well as the importance of funding the government, which is slated to run out of money to stay open by Friday.
Biden said the "need is urgent" to fund Ukraine. The consequences of inaction in Ukraine are dire, he said.
President remarks on Israel
The president then spoke briefly about Israel.
"We need to deal with the Israelis," Biden said. "But that also contains a significant portion having to do with humanitarian assistance in the Palestinian area, which I think is important."
Biden also said the US has to replenish the air defenses for Israel. The supplemental bill contains several billion dollars for the Iron Defense System.
Schumer and Jeffries addressed reporters together following the meeting. According to pool notes, neither of the Democratic leaders mentioned discussion on Israel aid, only speaking of the discussion surrounding Ukraine and border policy.
“The meeting on Ukraine was one of the most intense meetings I’ve ever encountered in many meetings in the Oval Office," Schumer said, according to pool reporters. "We made the overwhelming sentiment in our meeting that we got to do Ukraine now. There are other issues, including the border, which we should address. But not now."
According to Schumer, Johnson did not give reason why funding Ukraine and fixing the southern border couldn't be done at the same time.
Johnson came out of the meeting several minutes later, telling reporters he met with Biden one-on-one after the group left.
Johnson said his purpose in the meeting was to express what he called the "obvious truth," that America's needs should be taken care of first.
He said talking about America's needs means talking about the southern border, and that it's on top of mind for people across the country.
"So I brought that issue up repeatedly today in that room and again one on one with the President. I think that's our responsibility to bring that up," Johnson said.
Johnson told reporters his other priority was government funding.
"But again, the first priority of the country is our border and making sure it's secure. I believe the President can take executive authority right now today to change that. And I told him that again today in person, as I've said to him many times, publicly and privately over the last several weeks," Johnson said. "It's time for action. It is a catastrophe, and it must stop. We will get the government funded and we'll keep working on that."
Johnson, a fierce Israel supporter, did not mention the Israeli aid included in the supplemental bill.
Just weeks ago, Johnson invited Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to join him for a meeting and press conference on Capitol Hill. Johnson professed his support and friendship with Ohana and the Israeli people.
Neither Ohana's or Johnson's office responded to The Post's previous requests inquiring if Johnson told Ohana he would not put forward funding for Israel without a border control policy.
In a statement from the White House, Biden made clear that Congress must take swift action to fund the government and prevent a shutdown. emphasized that the only path forward is through bipartisan funding bills that deliver for the American people and are free of extreme policies.The President also emphasized the urgent need for Congress to continue standing with Ukraine as it defends itself every day against Russia’s brutal invasion, the White House said.
Biden discussed how Ukraine has lost ground on the battlefield in recent weeks and is being forced to ration ammunition and supplies due to Congressional inaction, the White House explained.
According to the White House, Biden underscored the importance of the bipartisan national security supplemental, which passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and would pass in the House if it was brought to a vote.
"He made clear that in addition to arming Ukraine and investing in America’s defense industrial base, the bill would help Israel defend itself against Hamas, and provide more humanitarian aid for those impacted by conflicts around the world, including Palestinian civilians who are experiencing dire humanitarian conditions," the White House said.