The Lawfare Podcast: Lawfare Archive – Mike Johnson’s National Security Agenda

Release Date: July 4, 2025
Original Episode Release: November 7, 2023
Hosts: Benjamin Wittes and Molly Reynolds

Introduction

In this archival episode of The Lawfare Podcast, Benjamin Wittes and Molly Reynolds delve into the national security agenda of House Speaker Mike Johnson. As Johnson assumes one of the most powerful positions in the U.S. government, the discussion highlights the multifaceted national security challenges he faces. The conversation explores key legislative efforts, the complexities of bipartisan support, and the strategic maneuvers necessary to navigate a narrow Republican majority in the House.

1. Mike Johnson’s Legislative Priorities

Molly Reynolds outlines the key components of Speaker Johnson’s agenda.

• Israel Aid Legislation
  Timestamp: [05:39]
  Johnson introduced a $14.3 billion aid package solely for Israel, diverging from the Biden administration’s proposal that bundled aid for Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and border security. Reynolds notes, “Johnson chose to cleave the Israel piece off and bring that to the floor by itself... including some what were billed as offsets, so cuts elsewhere” ([05:39]).

• Ukraine Aid Challenges
  Timestamp: [08:00]
  The attempt to secure additional aid for Ukraine faces diminishing support within the House Republican Conference. Reynolds explains, “Support for Ukraine aid among House Republicans is declining... with fewer opportunities to attach it to other legislative vehicles” ([08:52]).

• Funding for Taiwan and Border Security
  Timestamp: [33:46]
  The discussion touches on why Taiwan and border security funding are addressed through supplemental measures rather than the regular budgeting process. Reynolds suggests it’s an effort to garner broader Republican support by addressing pressing issues concurrently ([34:20]).

2. Israel Aid: Bipartisan Support and Political Obstacles

Molly Reynolds examines the dynamics surrounding the Israel aid package.

• Bipartisan but Not Unanimous Support
  Timestamp: [14:46]
  Reynolds points out, “There are large bipartisan majorities supportive of Israel, but not universal... Some Republicans are averse to spending additional money overseas unless it is offset” ([14:46]).

• Offsetting with IRS Funding
  Timestamp: [16:32]
  To secure Republican votes, Johnson’s package includes cuts to IRS enforcement budgets, a move that Reynolds characterizes as a strategic misstep: “The additional funding for enforcement at the IRS is extremely unpopular among Republicans” ([16:36]).

• Implications of the Offset Strategy
  Timestamp: [18:18]
  Wittes critiques the effectiveness of the offsets, noting they don’t balance the budget: “It ultimately adds more money to the federal deficit because... you spend less money on tax enforcement” ([18:30]).

3. Ukraine Aid: Diminishing Support and Legislative Hurdles

The conversation shifts to the complexities of securing aid for Ukraine.

• Declining Republican Support
  Timestamp: [21:28]
  Reynolds highlights a trend of decreasing support for Ukraine aid within the House Republicans: “The trend has been going away from votes for Ukraine aid, not towards it” ([21:28]).

• Senate vs. House Dynamics
  Timestamp: [27:11]
  While Senate Republicans, led by Mitch McConnell, maintain support for Ukraine, the House faces internal fractures. Reynolds states, “Support for additional aid to Ukraine among Senate Republicans is starting to get a little squishy” ([27:11]).

• Strategic Legislative Vehicles
  Timestamp: [29:21]
  The limited legislative opportunities to pass Ukraine aid are discussed, with Reynolds explaining the challenges of attaching aid to other bills without jeopardizing broader support ([29:21]).

4. Government Shutdown and Funding Strategies

Johnson’s approach to avoiding a government shutdown is scrutinized.

• Laddered Continuing Resolution
  Timestamp: [36:53]
  Johnson proposes a “laddered” (interpreted as “staggered”) continuing resolution with different expiration dates for various federal agencies. Reynolds critiques the feasibility, noting the lack of consensus and coordination with the Senate ([38:38]).

• Political Ramifications
  Timestamp: [40:29]
  The proposed strategy is seen as a reflection of deeper partisan divides: “It gets back to this fundamental issue... difference between the two parties in terms of how they view government” ([40:29]).

5. Taiwan and Border Funding: Supplemental Measures Explained

The rationale behind addressing Taiwan and border security through supplemental legislation is explored.

• Administration’s Strategic Inclusion
  Timestamp: [35:37]
  Reynolds interprets the Biden administration’s inclusion of Taiwan aid and additional border security funding as efforts to secure Republican support by tackling multiple national security concerns simultaneously ([35:37]).

• Policy Changes vs. Funding
  Timestamp: [35:37]
  Republicans seek not just additional funding but also policy changes related to border security, indicating a desire for more comprehensive reforms alongside financial support ([35:37]).

6. FISA 702 Reauthorization: A Lingering National Security Concern

The final topic addresses the reauthorization of FISA Section 702.

• Coalition Complexities
  Timestamp: [48:38]
  Reynolds discusses the unique coalition required to reauthorize FISA 702, noting that it involves unconventional alliances across party lines: “The pro-702 coalition is sort of unusual... weird cross-cutting coalition” ([48:38]).

• Potential Outcomes
  Timestamp: [50:24]
  The uncertain future of FISA 702 reauthorization is highlighted, with Reynolds suggesting that its progress depends on behind-the-scenes negotiations rather than public debate ([50:24]).

Conclusion

The archived episode provides an in-depth analysis of Speaker Mike Johnson’s national security agenda, emphasizing the intricate balance of bipartisan support, strategic legislative tactics, and the challenges posed by a fragmented Republican majority in the House. As Johnson navigates issues ranging from foreign aid to domestic funding, the conversation underscores the complexities of governance in a highly polarized political landscape.

Notable Quotes

1. On Israel Aid Offsets
   Molly Reynolds, [16:36]: “The additional funding for enforcement at the Internal Revenue Service is extremely unpopular among Republicans.”

2. On Ukraine Aid Support
   Mitch McConnell, [27:39]: “Additional assistance to Ukraine is a national security imperative.”

3. On Government Shutdown Strategies
   Molly Reynolds, [39:07]: “Federal employees... will start doing work to prepare for the possibility of a shutdown. That is work, that is time spent doing that.”

4. On FISA 702 Coalition
   Molly Reynolds, [48:38]: “The pro-702 coalition... is sort of a weird cross-cutting coalition.”

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the legislative and political maneuverings surrounding national security issues in the U.S. Congress. For those interested in the intersections of law, policy, and national security, the in-depth discussion between Wittes and Reynolds offers valuable insights into the challenges and strategies shaping current U.S. governance.