Staff Reports
The House of Representatives passed a bill to provide aid to Israel that had been paused by the Biden administration. The vote was bipartisan, with three Republicans voting against it and 16 Democrats voting in favor. President Biden threatened to veto the bill, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he wouldn’t allow it to come up for a vote in the Senate.
House Votes on Bill Forcing Biden to Release Aid to Israel https://t.co/EfEW6FHHNS
— Dr. Kenneth Warner (@wrestlerkw7) May 17, 2024
Republicans, such as Reps. Warren Davidson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Thomas Massie, opposed the bill. On the other hand, Democrats, including Reps. Matt Cartwright, Angie Craig, and Henry Cuellar, voted in favor of the bill. This decision comes as the Biden administration has been criticized for stalling aid to Israel, despite previous commitments to support the country.
During a press conference, Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Biden and Schumer for hindering aid to Israel, stating that their actions have global implications. He accused them of making a political calculation at the expense of Israel’s security and suggested that they are catering to Iran and its proxies. Johnson emphasized the need for moral clarity and claimed that the Democrats’ stance on Israel may not be palatable to the American people.
Meanwhile, outside the House, staffers of progressive members were rallying against Israel, wearing masks to conceal their identities. The Israeli Defense Forces have been working to evacuate civilians as they launch an offensive against Hamas.
Overall, the passage of the bill highlights the ongoing debate over U.S. support for Israel and the role of the Biden administration in providing aid to the country in the face of global conflicts.
