In a pivotal moment, the U.S. House of Representatives recently greenlit a substantial $14.5 billion military aid package for Israel. This financial boost serves as both a robust U.S. response to the ongoing conflict with Hamas and a controversial, partisan approach championed by the new Speaker, Mike Johnson. This move has thrown down the gauntlet to Democrats and President Joe Biden.
A Partisan Approach
In a deviation from tradition, Speaker Johnson’s aid package took an unconventional route. It mandated that the emergency aid allocation should be counterbalanced by reductions in government spending elsewhere. This novel strategy underscored the conservative approach of the new House GOP leadership. However, it also transformed what is typically a bipartisan vote into a divisive issue, pitting Democrats against Republicans.
Biden’s Veto Threat
President Biden, responding to the bill’s approval with a 226-196 vote, where 12 Democrats aligned with most Republicans, announced his intention to veto the legislation. Biden’s rationale for this veto is that it endorses a method he deems unsuitable.
A Smaller Aid Package
The bill that has cleared the House represents the initial legislative effort to bolster Israel during its conflict, but it falls far short of Biden’s request for nearly $106 billion. This larger proposal would not only support Israel but also back Ukraine in its struggle against Russia. Additionally, it would allocate resources to counter China and address security concerns along the U.S.-Mexico border.
House Speaker’s Test
This decision marks a significant milestone for Speaker Johnson as he leads the Republican majority in navigating a return to business as usual following a month of upheaval since the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy as Speaker. Johnson’s next moves will prioritize aid for Ukraine and bolstering U.S. border security, with a preference for handling Biden’s requests as separate issues, given the growing opposition among GOP lawmakers towards assisting Kyiv.
White House’s Concerns
The White House, in a stern warning, expressed that Johnson’s approach “fails to meet the urgency of the moment” and sets a concerning precedent by demanding that emergency funds be sourced from cuts in other areas. The absence of humanitarian assistance for Gaza in the Republican plan was also labeled a “grave mistake.”
Divided Votes
Before the vote took place, the outcome remained uncertain. The White House actively lobbied lawmakers, with particular emphasis on persuading Jewish Democrats to reject the bill. The vote, however, posed a dilemma for several lawmakers, especially Democrats who sought to show their support for Israel while grappling with the necessity of making trade-offs, especially given the encouragement from influential groups like AIPAC.
Difficult Decisions
For Rep. Brad Schneider, who represents Illinois, voting against the package was an agonizing decision. He remarked, “It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.”
Controversial Funding Source
To finance the bill, House Republicans incorporated provisions aimed at cutting billions from the IRS. These cuts are part of the Democrats’ prior approval, signed into law by Biden as an initiative to combat tax evasion. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), a nonpartisan entity, predicted that these cuts could ultimately cost the federal government a net $12.5 billion due to reduced tax revenue. The combined expenses of the aid package and revenue reduction amount to over $26 billion.
Backing Israel’s Needs
Proponents of the bill underscored that it would offer crucial support for Israel. This support includes funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, procurement of advanced weaponry, and other military necessities. The CBO estimated the overall package’s value for Israel to be approximately $14.3 billion.
The Humanitarian Aid Debate
As the floor debate unfolded, Democrats implored Republicans to restore the humanitarian aid initially requested by Biden. They also criticized the politicization of what is typically a bipartisan show of support for Israel.
A Personal Perspective
Rep. Dan Goldman from New York shared his personal experience of seeking shelter with his family in Israel during rocket attacks. He described the situation as “the most horrific attack on Jews since the Holocaust.” Despite this, Goldman firmly opposed the Republican-led bill, viewing it as a “shameful effort” to exploit the Israel crisis for political gain.
The Political Angle
Accusations of antisemitism have been raised by Republicans against Democrats questioning Israel’s war tactics. In a related incident, the House attempted to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American lawmaker from Michigan, for her remarks, but the censure motion did not succeed.
Senate’s Rejection
In the Democratic-controlled Senate, Schumer made it clear that the House bill would be dismissed. Schumer asserted that the Senate would craft its own bipartisan emergency aid package, which would encompass support for Israel and Ukraine, humanitarian aid for Gaza, and efforts to address challenges posed by China.
McConnell’s Stance
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, while supporting his GOP counterparts in the House, also strives to align the aid package with Biden’s broader request. McConnell stressed that aid for Ukraine is not merely an act of charity but a necessary step to bolster a Western ally against Russia.
Focus on College Campus Activism
Finally, on another front, the House passed a resolution led by Republicans. This nonbinding resolution addresses the issue of activism related to the Israel-Hamas conflict on college campuses. It condemns support for groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education.