LAS VEGAS—Just four days into his new role, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) declared to a largely Jewish audience, “We are going to stand like a rock with our friend and our ally, Israel.”
Mr. Johnson, who was elected to the role on Oct. 25, three weeks after the historic ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), said his actions demonstrate how committed he is to Israel in its war against Hamas terrorists.
“It’s not an accident that the first resolution [in the House] was for Israel—and my first trip was to come and be with you,” he told about 1,000 cheering members of the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), who gathered in Las Vegas for their annual leadership summit at the Venetian Hotel.
Mr. Johnson took the stage on Oct. 28, as the song “Takin' Care of Business” played.
He and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) unveiled steps that they and fellow Republicans are taking to assist Israel.
In response to pro-Palestinian calls for a ceasefire, Mr. Johnson said he would tell the United Nations, “There will be a ceasefire only when Hamas ceases to be a threat to Israel.”
“We had three weeks of turmoil in the house and certainly these weeks of unrest around the globe. But we have emerged even stronger and we are united.”
Party leaders and grassroots activists nationwide are reporting a sense of “renewed energy” and increased fundraising.
“All that’s happened in the last couple of days,” he said. “People are having a sense of purpose again. ... We have a moment here, I think, to rebuild the trust of the people and to restore their faith in who we are and why we are here, and what we’re fighting for. And this is clearly the fateful time.”
Mr. Scalise, a fellow Louisianan who introduced Mr. Johnson at the event, listed key legislation to be brought immediately to the House floor now that the full chamber is back in business.
One will be a resolution condemning anti-Semitism on college campuses.
Another would refreeze the $6 billion that President Joe Biden made available to Iran, the leading sponsor of terror worldwide, in his negotiations for a hostage swap.
Republicans also will work to block the sale of Iranian oil on the world market, he said, after President Biden loosened sanctions. Iran sold $30 billion worth of oil last year, Mr. Scalise said.
In addition, GOP lawmakers will make funding available for Israel to replenish weapons such as the Iron Dome missile defense system, he said.
Mr. Johnson said he senses that fellow Republicans are “inspired” now.
“There’s a real sense of esprit de corps among us and people feel the sense that we have a new beginning, a fresh start,” he said. “And I believe that God has given us that opportunity. I believe that God is not done with America yet. And I know he’s not done with Israel.”
“We are grounded in truth and we’re going to articulate all these things with clarity and conviction like you have not seen in a long time,” he said. “That’s what the hour calls for. And that’s what we’re gonna do. The more important message that I wanted to deliver to this audience tonight—the reason I wanted to be here—is because I want you to know: We’re resolved on behalf of Israel. ”
He thanked the RJC, saying he is grateful for all the group does to support Republicans.
“We all stand united for Israel,” he said. “There’s never been a more important time in all the history of the organization and arguably ... since the Holocaust, for Congress to stand resolute and do the right thing and support the good here. I thank you for all you do.”
The crowd erupted with sustained applause, whistles, and cheers as he ended his short but powerful speech.
The RJC has become an increasingly influential force in the American political scene, RJC spokesman Sam Markstein told The Epoch Times.
“Speaker Johnson’s participation ... underscores his commitment to standing in solidarity with the people of Israel and the American Jewish community,” Mr. Markstein added. Mr. Johnson’s appearance at the conference “is also a reflection on the importance and significance of the RJC’s work.”
He noted that 150 journalists from 60 media outlets came in addition to the record-high attendance.
The convention has raised its profile on the political landscape in recent years. Mr. Markstein told The Epoch Times that then-President Donald Trump’s 2019 appearance at the conference was a major step in that direction. Last year, President Trump returned to the conference, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke as his star was rising ahead of a 2024 presidential run that he declared in May.
The attendees include influential Jews, prominent business people, and leaders in their communities.
Many are also big Republican donors. One speaker thanked Miriam Adelson, who sat near the front.
She and her late husband, Sheldon, who was a publishing and entertainment mogul who owned the Las Vegas Sands Corp. and died in 2021, were among the largest GOP donors nationally. They were the leading donors to President Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns and also donated to his inaugural fund.
