In a report from FOX News’ senior congressional correspondent, it has been revealed that the House of Representatives is currently experiencing “unprecedented chaos.” The issue at hand revolves around President Biden’s request to Congress for $105 billion in funding, which includes aid for Israel and Ukraine, among other emergency items. While Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, supports this request, some GOP lawmakers are hesitant to couple aid to the two countries. Republican Senator JD Vance from Ohio is among those leading the pushback against aid to Ukraine but fully supports funding for Israel’s war against the Islamic militant group Hamas.
Senator Vance has circulated a memo titled “Differentiating Ukraine and Israel” among senators, criticizing the administration’s decision to link funding for the two conflicts. The memo outlines five main points: 1) Israeli operations aim to secure the Gaza Strip, while the Ukraine war jeopardizes European security and threatens global disorder; 2) The political and military relationship with Israel is fundamentally different from that with Ukraine; 3) Israel possesses a qualitatively different defense capability compared to Ukraine; 4) Israel has an achievable objective, unlike Ukraine; 5) The US has a plan in Israel but lacks one in Ukraine.
The division among GOP senators regarding the package poses a challenge to its passage. Additionally, the House of Representatives is in disarray as it has yet to elect a new speaker. The situation is causing further complications for the package’s progress.
Senator Vance’s opposition to coupling aid to Ukraine and Israel reflects a growing sentiment among GOP lawmakers who prefer to vote on the package’s components individually before the November 17 funding deadline. Concerns are raised about the risk of a government shutdown if these priorities are bundled together, leading to a more complicated process and reduced likelihood of a funding package.
The proposed funding package includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel (with $10.6 billion allocated for military aid), $13.6 billion for border protection (including measures to combat the flow of fentanyl), and significant investments in Indo-Pacific security assistance totaling around $7.4 billion. Additionally, there is $9 billion earmarked for humanitarian aid in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza.
The clash between GOP lawmakers over coupling aid to Ukraine and Israel has caused a state of chaos in the House of Representatives. The differing perspectives on the conflicts, strategic focus, and defense capabilities have led to a divided stance among Republican senators. As the debate continues, the fate of the funding package remains uncertain.
Jamie Joseph, a writer who covers politics and leads digital coverage of the Senate, contributed to this report.
