Washington, Nov 3:
The United States House of Representatives has approved a $14.3 billion aid bill to Israel, but Democrats have raised concerns that it may not pass in the Senate.
The Republican-backed measure received a 226-196 vote, with the support of 12 Democrats, while two Republicans voted against it. Democratic leaders have been advocating for a bill that combines funding for Ukraine, but House Republicans opposed the idea of bundling Ukraine and Israel aid into a single package.
Senate leader Chuck Schumer strongly criticized the House bill, describing it as “stunningly unserious.” He made it clear that the Senate, controlled by Democrats, will not pass the bill, and President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has pledged to veto it if it ever reaches his desk.
This bill marks the first major legislative action under the new Republican House Speaker, Mike Johnston.
To cover the cost of the aid to Israel, Republicans proposed cutting $14.3 billion in funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), responsible for collecting US taxes.
However, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) warned that reducing IRS funding would lead to a decrease in tax revenue, increasing the US deficit by nearly $12.5 billion over the next decade.
Democratic Congressman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts criticized the bill, saying, “My Republican friends say they want to help Israel, and so, what do they do? They condition the aid to Israel on essentially a tax break for millionaires and billionaires and corporations that cheat on their taxes.”
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Senate Democrats plan to work on a bipartisan package that combines aid for both Israel and Ukraine with humanitarian assistance for Gaza.
Support for continuing aid to Ukraine remains strong among Democrats and many Senate Republicans, who view it as crucial in light of the country’s conflict with Russia.
House Speaker Mike Johnson intends to propose a separate package for Ukraine, which will be combined with funding for border security at the US-Mexico border. He assured reporters that Ukraine’s aid would be addressed shortly, saying, “Ukraine will come in short order. It will come next.” House Republicans are emphasizing the principle of fiscal responsibility.
Two Republicans, Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, voted against the aid bill.
Mr. Massie expressed his concerns, stating, “We can’t afford more foreign aid. I voted against the billions for Ukraine, and I am voting against $14+ billion of foreign aid for Israel tonight.”
It’s worth noting that the US has already approved $113 billion in military, humanitarian, and economic aid for Ukraine since the conflict with Russia began.
The recently passed $14.3 billion aid bill to Israel by the US House of Representatives has stirred controversy due to its funding sources and partisan nature. The bill was also criticized for breaking from bipartisan precedent by including spending cuts within an emergency aid package.
The bill included provisions to cut funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a longstanding target for Republicans.
However, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) challenged the argument put forth by GOP lawmakers, revealing that these cuts would, in reality, increase the deficit by eliminating revenue generated from enhanced tax enforcement against tax evaders.
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Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer pointed out this irony on the House floor, saying that the pay-for used in the bill would result in a $12.5 billion increase in the national debt, rather than a decrease. While acknowledging the importance of the national debt, he criticized the bill for failing to achieve the objective of deficit reduction.
Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York expressed his support for a “genuine bill to aid Israel” but objected to the measure voted on that day. He described it as a “partisan game” and an “insult to Jewish Americans” and Israel.
Prior to the floor vote, House Democratic leaders urged members to vote against the bill, emphasizing that it departed from longstanding bipartisan tradition by including spending cuts in an emergency aid package.
They expressed concerns that such a move could create “unnecessary barriers to future aid in the event of a security emergency.”
Senate Democrats have also voiced their opposition to the House Republican proposal. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that the Senate would not consider the House’s bill.
He outlined the Senate’s plan to work on a bipartisan emergency aid package that includes assistance for Israel, Ukraine, addressing competition with the Chinese government, and humanitarian aid for Gaza.
House Republicans who supported the aid bill for Israel placed blame on the White House for any potential delay in delivering aid.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, the GOP conference chair, criticized President Joe Biden for his threat to veto the bill. She emphasized their support for Israel and condemned what she perceived as the President’s prioritization of the IRS over aid to Israel.
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