In a significant move, the House of Representatives has approved a $14.3 billion aid package for Israel. The bill, which received a 226 to 196 vote, saw 12 Democrats joining Republicans to pass it. The funding will be reallocated from the money originally intended for the IRS in President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. However, just two Republicans, Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, voted against the bill.
This decision has been celebrated by Republicans, who see it as a crucial show of support for a major ally, while also defunding Biden’s IRS. Republican Policy Committee Chairman Gary Palmer, R-Ala., expressed his satisfaction with the bill’s passage, stating, “Israel has every right to defend itself from the brutal attacks we have been witnessing over the past month. With this piece of legislation, we are helping an ally in need while also cutting funding from Joe Biden’s weaponized IRS. These funds are better used supporting Israel than being used by IRS agents to audit middle-class Americans.”
Israel has been engaged in open warfare with Hamas since last month, following a surprise attack by militants on villages in the southern part of the country, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand Israelis. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, emphasized that more than two dozen of those killed were American citizens. He stated, “Hamas terrorists senselessly murdered innocent Americans and Israelis with no remorse whatsoever. As our strongest ally in the Middle East, we must do everything in our power to support Israel and help them completely defeat and destroy Hamas.”
However, the bill’s future in the Senate remains uncertain. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., criticized the bill, referring to it as a “joke” and questioning the decision to tie Israel aid to a hard-right proposal. Schumer argued that this move would raise the deficit and is completely partisan. Senate leaders have been pushing for an Israel aid package that also includes funding for Ukraine.
President Biden, who had requested $106 billion in supplemental funding for a package covering Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, the U.S. border, and humanitarian causes, has threatened to veto the standalone Israel aid bill. The White House, through the Office of Management and Budget, has expressed its disapproval, stating that the bill is detrimental to Israel, the Middle East region, and national security.
It remains to be seen how the Senate will address the aid package. The bill’s passage in the House reflects a strong show of support for Israel from certain members of Congress. As the debate continues, the focus remains on finding a balance between supporting allies and addressing other pressing global issues.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Digital, specializing in Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. Her previous work can be found at the Daily Mail and CBS News. For the latest updates on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected].
