House Approves Aid Package to Israel Amid Controversy
In a significant test of Rep. Mike Johnson’s speakership, the House of Representatives has approved a Republican-led aid package to Israel. The bill, which passed by a vote of 226-196, provides $14.3 billion in assistance as Israel expands its military operations in Gaza following a recent Hamas terror attack. However, despite its passage in the House, the bill faces significant obstacles to becoming law.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has already made it clear that he will not take up the bill in the Senate. Additionally, the White House has threatened to veto the legislation, citing concerns over its structure and approach. With little chance of becoming law, the aid package to Israel may ultimately fall by the wayside.
The legislation includes $4 billion for the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems but does not provide any humanitarian aid for Gaza, the Hamas-controlled territory currently at the center of Israel’s assault. The exclusion of humanitarian aid has drawn criticism from Democrats and outside groups, who warn of a potential crisis for civilians in Gaza.
Democrats have also opposed the bill due to its lack of funding for Ukraine and its provision to pay for the Israel aid by cutting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) budget by the same amount. Critics argue that the inclusion of cuts to the IRS budget is a political move that could have detrimental consequences. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat from Florida, accused Johnson of “playing politics” with the bill and expressed disappointment over its structure.
Despite these objections, House Republican leaders remained confident that the aid package would pass. Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the urgency of providing support to Israel and criticized calls for a cease-fire from some Democrats. He argued that Israel needs its allies to deliver support without delay.
However, the aid bill only received limited bipartisan support. Two Republicans voted against the legislation, while 12 Democrats voted in favor. Some Democrats who supported the bill did so out of support for Israel, but they still expressed concerns about the package’s structure.
The Senate, under Schumer’s leadership, plans to develop its own emergency aid package that includes aid for Israel, Ukraine, competition with China, and humanitarian aid for Gaza. The White House has threatened to block the current aid package, stating that it breaks from the usual bipartisan approach and politicizes aid to Israel.
Rep. Johnson defended his approach, arguing that responsible handling of Israel aid is necessary due to the country’s escalating national debt. He expressed readiness to debate with Democrats who prioritize increasing IRS funding over supporting Israel. Johnson also stated that Ukraine aid would be the next focus, although some House Republicans have voiced opposition to providing additional funding to the nation.
In summary, the aid package to Israel has passed in the House, but it faces significant opposition in the Senate and a potential veto from the White House. The bill’s structure, including the exclusion of humanitarian aid and cuts to the IRS budget, has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans. The future of the aid package remains uncertain as lawmakers navigate these challenges.