The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill on Thursday to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel, despite Democrats asserting that it will not be approved in the Democratic-controlled Senate. The vote passed with a majority of 226 votes to 196, largely reflecting the partisan division of seats between the Republican and Democratic parties. Republicans revealed the bill on Monday, marking the first significant legislative action under the new House Speaker Mike Johnson, despite President Joe Biden requesting a broader package of $106 billion that includes funding for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine, along with humanitarian aid.
The bill will face its first test in a procedural vote, a hurdle that must be overcome before a final vote can occur later. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer stated that the Republican bill would be killed upon reaching the Senate, even if it is passed by the House. The White House has also threatened to use a veto.
Democrats objected to reductions in funding for the Internal Revenue Service, arguing that this would increase the budget deficit by reducing tax collection. They also emphasized the importance of continuing support for Ukraine in its war against the Russian invasion that began in February 2022. While Democrats and many Republicans remain strong supporters of Ukraine, a smaller, but louder, group of Republicans questions sending more funds to the government in Kyiv at a time when the country is experiencing a severe budget deficit.
