Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made the case Monday that America’s ability to deter foreign threats will be determined by the U.S response to the Israel-Hamas war.

The Kentucky Republican said America must respond with “maximum support” to Israel for “as long as it takes” to reestablish what he described as weakened U.S. deterrence under President Biden against countries such as Iran and Russia.

“America’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, the desperate pursuit of a new [Iran] nuclear deal, and the failure to respond decisively to attacks on U.S. forces in Syria has weakened our deterrence against the world’s largest state sponsor of terror,” Mr. McConnell said in a floor speech, marking his first Senate remarks since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel. The Senate returned to Washington on Monday from a week-long recess.

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, reiterated Monday he intends to move swiftly to pass a bipartisan Israeli aid package in the coming weeks amid continued turmoil in the GOP-led House over electing a new speaker.

Mr. Schumer, who led a trip to Israel over the weekend with a bipartisan group of senators, said the package will provide military, intelligence, diplomatic and humanitarian assistance.  

“We want to move this package quickly. The Senate must go first. I know that the House is in disarray, but we cannot wait for them,” Mr. Schumer said on the chamber floor. “The needs are too great. And if we pass a strong package with strong bipartisan support, it will importune the House somehow or other to act, despite the morass they are in.”

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The House is scheduled to vote on a new speaker on Tuesday. Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio is nearing enough GOP support to gain the post.

• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.