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House GOP Proposes $14.3 Billion Aid Package for Israel, Offsetting Costs with IRS Cuts

House Republicans introduce a $14.3 billion aid package for Israel, intending to offset costs by cutting IRS funds. The proposal sparks debates about combining aid for Israel and Ukraine.

House Speaker Mike Johnson receives a standing ovation from House Republicans as he gives a speech shortly after being elected Speaker in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol on October 25, 2023.

House Republicans have unveiled a $14.3 billion aid package for Israel to support its military efforts against Hamas in Gaza. The proposed legislation, introduced by Speaker Mike Johnson, is part of a broader political battle over aid funding that includes cuts to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offset the costs. This move aims to secure conservative hardliner support within the party. Despite the leadership’s efforts, the bill faces scrutiny from some conservative members who express concerns about the financial impact and argue that it is not affordable.

Separating Aid for Israel and Ukraine

One of the key points of contention is whether aid for Israel should be separated from aid for Ukraine. Johnson and some House Republicans advocate for an Israel-only funding bill. This stance contrasts with the Senate, where both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell favor bundling the two issues together in a broader global aid package.

Schumer’s Response

Schumer criticized the House GOP’s proposal, stating that they should address multiple global aid issues together, such as Israel, Ukraine, and the South Pacific. The proposal to offset the costs by cutting IRS funds has also drawn criticism. Schumer emphasized that such an approach would make it more challenging to pass the legislation.

Funding and Aid Allocation

The House Republican bill matches President Joe Biden’s request for $14.3 billion in aid for Israel. The aid package includes $4 billion in Pentagon funding for missile defense systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling. It also allocates $4.4 billion for the Pentagon to replace inventories of weapons and equipment sent to Israel, as well as to reimburse the military for training and other services.

Specific Allocations within the Aid Package

The proposed bill includes detailed allocations for different purposes, such as $801.4 million for the Army’s ammunition, $10 million for the Navy’s weapons, and $38.6 million for the Air Force to purchase missiles. Additionally, $1.2 billion is designated for research and development efforts for Israel’s air defense laser project known as Iron Beam.

Conclusion

The House GOP’s aid package for Israel has triggered a broader political debate about the allocation of aid funding, with a focus on separating aid for Israel and Ukraine. The legislation’s fate remains uncertain as both parties attempt to reach a consensus while navigating budgetary concerns.

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