The United States House of Representatives announced legislation on Saturday that would provide Israel with $17.6 billion in extra military support as it fights Hamas.
A House Appropriations panel-sponsored financing plan might be voted on by the entire House next week, according to Speaker Mike Johnson’s message to members.
The Republican-controlled House had earlier authorised $14.3 billion in extra military aid to Israel, but only with the condition that it be paid for by taking back funds originally designated for the US Internal Revenue Service.
The Democratic-controlled Senate baulked at that provision, and is set to propose a legislative proposal that will aid Israel while also providing further military support to Ukraine.
The United States House of Representatives announced legislation on Saturday that would provide Israel with $17.6 billion in extra military support as it fights Hamas.
A House Appropriations panel-sponsored financing plan might be voted on by the entire House next week, according to Speaker Mike Johnson’s message to members.
The Republican-controlled House had earlier authorised $14.3 billion in extra military aid to Israel, but only with the condition that it be paid for by taking back funds originally designated for the US Internal Revenue Service.
The Democratic-controlled Senate baulked at that provision, and is set to propose a legislative proposal that will aid Israel while also providing further military support to Ukraine.
The same Senate measure is anticipated to include ideas to bolster border security along the United States’ southern border with Mexico.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has taken measures to begin discussion on the multifaceted plan next week, with a first procedural vote no later than Wednesday.
According to the House Appropriations Committee, the $17.6 billion would go towards replenishing Israel’s missile defence systems, purchasing further modern weapons systems, and producing artillery and other munitions.
Some of the funds would also be used to replace US armaments delivered to Israel in response to the Hamas attack on October 7.
“The need to support our closest ally and our own forces in the region has never been more pressing,” Johnson said in a letter to his colleagues.
It was uncertain if far-right House members would object to the cash for Israel without an equal level of reductions elsewhere in the budget.
House Republicans have asked that any fresh aid to Ukraine be accompanied by strict new US border controls, despite the fact that record numbers of immigrants are attempting to enter the US. While the Senate intends to do precisely that, Johnson has already stated that the border security measure to be announced in the Senate is insufficient.
Before fresh military aid to Israel or Ukraine can be sent, both the House and Senate must adopt the identical measure before it is sent to Democratic President Joe Biden for signature.