The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $14.3 billion aid package for Israel, on a 226 to 196 vote. Only twelve Democrats joined Republicans in voting for the measure, with the Arizona Caucus vote falling along party lines.
The bill, which offsets funding with cuts to the IRS, now heads to the Senate, but Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says he will not take it up for consideration, insisting on more money for the failed war in Ukraine.
Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray says the Senate is crafting its own package that includes aid for Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific region.
Rep. Ruben Gallego, who voted against the bill, claimed that the cuts in the package would “harm the safety and security of Arizona families.” He did not offer an explanation as to what harm would come to families due to cuts to the IRS.
“The United States must stand by its ally Israel as they continue their war against Hamas in the wake of the terrorist group’s barbaric attacks. Tragically, this extreme, dangerous bill proposed by House Republicans would end up putting both Israeli and American families at risk,” tweeted Gallego. “The bill sends the message that if we want to support our allies when they are attacked, including by our adversaries, we have to gut our own programs here at home.”
Rep. Raul Grijalva was opposed to the bill because it did not include aid to Gaza, and would allow “rich people to cheat on their taxes.”
“Under the leadership of Speaker Johnson, the Republican majority are proposing divisive legislation and making assistance to Israel contingent upon deep cuts to the IRS,” said Grijalva. “We have never set preconditions on emergency aid in responding to natural disasters or protecting national security. House Republicans are setting a dangerous precedent by requiring offsets in domestic programs to pay for critical assistance to our allies. It is unconscionable for House Republicans to exploit an international crisis and push their extreme agenda by conditioning support for Israel on allowing the wealthy to cheat on their taxes.”
“I will vote against House Republicans’ bad-faith legislation because Ukraine, Israel, and the innocent people of Gaza deserve our help,” said Grijalva before the vote.
“The Jewish State has been a valuable partner of the U.S. since its miraculous founding in 1948 and our mutually beneficial relationship has made both nations safer and more prosperous,” said Rep. Eli Crane after the vote. “Israel is defending herself against vicious animals who aim to carry out a genocide against Jews. This aid package, which is offset by rescinding billions for Biden’s weaponized IRS, is reciprocal of our shared interests—not a furtherance of another forever war. Israel is up against the same forces of darkness that have fueled countless Islamic terror attacks against Americans. The recent onslaught in Israel has already claimed the lives of at least 33 American civilians, with more Americans missing or being held hostage.”
“The October 7th terror attack sheds light on the threats we’re exposed to within the American homeland, thanks to Biden’s open border,” said Crane, a former Navy SEAL. “As a believer, as an American, and as a veteran, I am proud to stand with Israel.”