House Republicans have approved a $17.6 billion military aid package for Israel, prioritizing support for the country while excluding additional help for Ukraine. This decision highlights the challenges faced by proponents of a comprehensive national security package that would also allocate billions of dollars for immigration enforcement. Although the Senate is unlikely to follow suit, Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans aim to demonstrate their unwavering support for Israel.
While the Senate is expected to release the text of a broader compromise package soon, a crucial test vote on the proposal will take place during the upcoming week. Johnson expressed his disappointment with the Senate’s exclusion of the House in their negotiations, emphasizing that this eliminates the possibility of swift consideration of any legislation. He stated in a letter to colleagues, “The House will have to work its will on these issues, and our priorities will need to be addressed.”
In November, the House had already approved a military aid package worth nearly $14.5 billion for Israel, which the Senate chose not to take up. Republicans insisted that the bill be paid for with cuts elsewhere, specifically targeting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). However, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that these cuts would ultimately cost the federal government a net $12.5 billion due to lost tax revenue. This tactic transformed the vote into a more partisan issue, resulting in a 226-196 split.
Johnson believes that removing the offsets should facilitate swift passage of the aid package for Israel. He argued that Democrats’ primary objection to the original House bill was related to its offsets. By eliminating them, Johnson hopes to remove any excuses, however misguided, that the Senate may have against promptly approving crucial support for Israel.
Representative Ken Calvert of California released the text of the military assistance bill for Israel, which includes various provisions. The package allocates $4 billion to replenish missile defense systems and $1.2 billion to counter short-range rockets and mortar threats. Additionally, it provides funding for the procurement of advanced weapons systems and aims to enhance the production of artillery and other munitions. To ensure that this support does not compromise U.S. readiness, the package also includes $4.4 billion to replenish U.S. stocks of weapons provided to Israel, as well as $3.3 billion for ongoing U.S. military operations in the region.
While the House Republicans’ approval of the military aid package for Israel showcases their commitment to the country, the exclusion of additional help for Ukraine raises questions about their priorities. As the Senate prepares to release its compromise package, the future of comprehensive national security legislation remains uncertain. However, the House’s determination to address its priorities and support its allies is evident, and it remains to be seen how these efforts will shape the final outcome.
