President Joe Biden reversed course Monday, saying he is willing to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to discuss an emergency funding package for Ukraine and Israel.
After White House officials previously nixed direct talks, Biden opened the door for a meeting when he returned to the White House after a weekend break in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Bloomberg reported.
"I'd be happy to meet with him if he has anything to say," Biden told reporters.
The remarks might signal that the White House is ramping up the effort to ensure passage of the $95 billion aid bill to Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza, which the Senate has already approved.
Supporters have argued the fall of Avdiivka to Russian forces and death of Russia opposition leader Alexey Navalny intensified the quick need for an aid bill.
"We're making a big mistake not responding," Biden told reporters, adding that he hoped Navalny's death would rally support.
Biden also said he's considering new sanctions on Russia after Navalny's death, Bloomberg reported.
According to Bloomberg, Biden's willingness to engage in one-on-one talks comes after aides last week said a session would be unproductive.
Johnson had insisted foreign aid funding come with new border-control measures, but rejected a bipartisan package negotiated in the Senate.
"What is there to negotiate? Really? Truly? What is the one-on-one negotiation about when he's been presented with exactly what he asked for? So, he's negotiating with himself. He's killing bills on his own," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said of Johnson, Bloomberg reported.
With Biden expected to travel to California on Tuesday for a three-day fundraising swing — and with lawmakers on recess — a meeting date with Johnson is unclear, Bloomberg reported.
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