Staff Reports
The conflict between Israel and Hamas is causing disagreements in Congress as House Republicans get ready to put forward a bill denouncing President Biden’s temporary halt on weapons deliveries to Israel. The bill, called the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, aims to stop Biden from holding back military aid to Israel that was approved in recent spending and foreign aid laws. The resolution calls for condemning Biden’s actions and requiring his administration to speed up weapons, funds, and other forms of aid within 30 days.
The resolution is scheduled for a vote on Thursday and has strong support from the GOP. Biden has stated he would veto the resolution if it reaches him, putting House Democrats in a tough spot. If they vote for the bill, they will go against their party’s leader. On the other hand, if House Democrats oppose it, they may risk their standing as the Israel-Hamas conflict has already separated hard-left members from the rest of the caucus.
House Democrats caught at crossroads with resolution condemning Biden’s pause of weapon transfers to Israel that is set for a vote Thursday evening
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— Cami Mondeaux (@cami_mondeaux) May 16, 2024
Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar remarked that while there are differing opinions within the caucus about funding for Israel, most House Democrats plan to vote against the resolution, considering it an overly politicized bill. The bill has drawn criticism from some pro-Israel Democrats who view it as politically motivated and having little actual impact.
Republicans have rejected Democratic accusations of politicizing the issue, arguing that Biden’s temporary pause on weapons transfers was a political move influenced by progressive Democrats. They have pointed to the president’s shift in opinion, suggesting it was a response to appealing to Muslim Americans in Michigan, a crucial swing state, and indicating that the issue is being kept in the public eye for attention.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated that even if the bill passes the House, it is unlikely to progress in the Democratic-led Senate before facing a presidential veto.
