House fails to pass Israel aid bill, dealing another blow to Johnson
The House Fails to Pass Military Assistance Bill for Israel and U.S. Forces
The House of Representatives fell short in passing a stand-alone bill that would have provided billions in military assistance to Israel and U.S. forces in the region. In a disappointing outcome, lawmakers from both sides voted against the measure.
The bill received 250 votes in favor and 180 votes against, but it needed a two-thirds majority of 287 votes to pass. Fourteen Republicans and 166 Democrats voted against it.
This defeat marked the second setback of the day for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), whose attempt to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had also failed just minutes earlier.
Controversy Surrounding the Bill
In a letter to colleagues, Johnson revealed that the Israel legislation would allocate $17.6 billion to Israel. However, the bill faced opposition from both sides of the aisle, and President Joe Biden even threatened to veto it.
The House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republicans, opposed the bill and called on Johnson to provide the $17.6 billion to Israel by making spending cuts elsewhere. They suggested cutting funding for the United Nations, repealing the IRS expansion, rescinding the Department of Commerce “slush fund,” or ending leftist climate change tax credits.
House Democratic leadership also came out against the legislation, although they did not actively campaign against it. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) criticized the bill, accusing Johnson of playing politics and refusing to work with Biden.
Divided Opinions within the Democratic Party
During a closed-door meeting with House Democrats, Jeffries accused Johnson of prioritizing political games over collaboration with the Biden administration. Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) argued that Israel currently has sufficient resources to combat Hamas for a few months if necessary. However, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), a prominent Jewish member, expressed support for the bill.
Members of the House Democratic “Squad” also voiced their disapproval of the bill on the floor. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the only Palestinian American in Congress, went as far as calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “a genocidal maniac.”
Next Steps and Previous Attempts
Johnson stated that if the bill fails, he plans to bring it up again next week under a process that only requires a simple majority for passage.
Last year, the House passed a stand-alone bill that would have provided $14.3 billion in aid to Israel while also cutting IRS funding. However, Biden threatened to veto it, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) declared it dead on arrival in the Senate.
Biden had initially requested that amount for Israel as part of a larger supplemental funding request in October. However, the administration has now threatened to veto the recent stand-alone bill, labeling it a “cynical political maneuver” aimed at sabotaging the passage of broader legislation.
What implications does the failure to pass this bill have for the future of U.S.-Israel relations and the United States’ commitment to supporting its allies
Address domestic needs instead. They argued that the funds should be used to support American citizens, particularly those who have been affected by the ongoing pandemic and economic downturn.
On the other hand, some progressive Democrats also voiced their opposition to the bill. They raised concerns about the Israeli government’s human rights record and argued that the United States should not unconditionally provide military assistance to a country that they believe engages in discriminatory practices against Palestinians.
This controversy surrounding the bill created a divide within the House and ultimately contributed to its failure to pass. Lawmakers from both sides held firm on their positions, unwilling to compromise, resulting in a stalemate that prevented the bill from reaching the necessary two-thirds majority.
The Impact on Israel and U.S. Forces
The failure to pass this military assistance bill has significant implications for both Israel and U.S. forces in the region. Israel, a key ally of the United States, heavily relies on military aid to maintain its security and defense capabilities. The billions in assistance would have further reinforced the country’s ability to counter regional threats and maintain stability in the volatile Middle East.
For U.S. forces stationed in the region, this bill would have provided vital support and resources necessary for their operations. It would have ensured that these brave men and women have the necessary equipment and training to carry out their missions effectively and safely. Without this assistance, their ability to effectively address regional security challenges may be compromised.
Next Steps and Future Implications
The failure to pass this military assistance bill raises questions about the future of U.S.-Israel relations and the United States’ commitment to supporting its allies. It signals a potential shift in priorities and a growing divide within the U.S. political landscape when it comes to foreign policy and military aid.
Moving forward, lawmakers will need to find common ground and address the concerns raised by both sides. Compromises may need to be made to ensure that military assistance is provided in a manner that aligns with the values and interests of all parties involved.
Furthermore, the failure of this bill also highlights the need for open and informed discussions about the allocation of funds and the importance of investing in both domestic and international priorities. It is crucial to strike a balance that meets the needs of American citizens while also addressing global commitments and responsibilities.
In conclusion, the House’s failure to pass the military assistance bill for Israel and U.S. forces reflects the deep divisions and controversies surrounding this issue. The impact of this failure will be felt by both Israel and U.S. forces in the region. It calls for a reevaluation of priorities and a commitment to finding common ground that promotes the interests of all parties involved. Only through open and informed discussions can a sustainable solution be reached.
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