House Democratic Leaders Promise to Vote Against Standalone Israel Aid Bill
House Democratic leaders are taking a stand against a standalone Israel aid bill, raising doubts about its chances of passing in the House. The $17.6 billion legislation, brought to the floor by Republicans, requires a two-thirds majority to pass under suspension of the rules. However, with Democratic support waning, it seems unlikely to meet that threshold.
In a “Dear Colleague” letter, Democratic leaders criticized Speaker Mike Johnson’s move to bring the Israel aid bill to the floor, calling it a ploy by “MAGA extremists” to undermine a comprehensive bipartisan funding package for national security challenges. They are pushing for the passage of the Senate’s $118.3 billion supplemental package, which includes funding for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and border security.
One of the key points of contention for Democrats is the bill’s omission of humanitarian aid for Gaza, where thousands of Palestinian civilians have been killed. House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro emphasized the importance of humanitarian assistance for the region.
While some staunchly pro-Israel Democrats may still vote in favor of the bill, President Joe Biden has stated he would veto it if it reaches his desk due to its failure to meet his funding request. Democrats like Rep. Ann McLane Kuster emphasized the need to support Ukraine and not walk away from the crisis.
This is the second attempt by the House to pass Israel aid, with the current version including added resources for U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Republicans are facing challenges within their own party, with some members opposing the bill’s lack of funding offsets.
As the Senate considers the larger supplemental package, there are doubts about there being enough votes to advance it. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer may delay a cloture vote to accommodate Republicans who want more time to review the bill.
Overall, the fate of the Israel aid bill remains uncertain as both the House and Senate navigate the complex landscape of foreign aid and national security funding.
