The Biden administration, in a late statement on Monday, expressed its intention to veto a bill favored by House Republicans that aims to provide aid exclusively to Israel. This stance underscores the White House's preference for a comprehensive legislative package that not only supports Israel but also Ukraine, alongside allocating new funds for enhancing border security.
The White House Office of Management and Budget highlighted the administration's call for Congress to dismiss what it views as a "political ploy" and to expedite the approval of the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. This act is the product of extensive collaboration between the administration, Senate Democrats, and Republicans. It encompasses a significant overhaul of U.S. immigration policy, increased funding for border security, and emergency assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and allies in the Indo-Pacific region, amounting to a $118 billion spending measure. Additionally, it aims to provide humanitarian aid to civilians caught in global conflicts.
President Biden would veto a standalone House bill that would provide $17.6 billion in aid to Israel if it reaches his desk, his administration says. https://t.co/b8cwNPyXV5
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 6, 2024
The administration's opposition to the standalone bill is strong, critiquing it for failing to enhance border security, support Ukraine against Russian aggression, safeguard American places of worship, or provide humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, who are predominantly women and children.
🚨🇺🇸 BIDEN THREATENS VETO OF US HOUSE'S STANDALONE ISRAEL AID BILL
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 6, 2024
Biden is pushing for legislation that includes support for Israel, Ukraine, and border security.
Source: Bloomberg Terminal https://t.co/50RjuHZjqc pic.twitter.com/PyZwWR8YYb
The standoff intensified as Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the House's rejection of the bipartisan Senate proposal, opting instead for a vote on a bill solely supporting Israel. Johnson labeled President Biden's veto threat as a "betrayal," accusing him of forsaking a key ally.
Blackmailing Israel with ammunition?
— Pepper Wingate (@PepperWingate) February 6, 2024
White House says Biden would veto House GOP’s standalone Israel aid bill https://t.co/a3nCmi8hz3 via @timesofisrael
This move has revealed deep divisions within the Republican Party, with former President Donald Trump and his allies criticizing the Senate's plan for not being stringent enough, especially on border security—a focal issue for Trump in his campaign rhetoric against Biden.
The Republican-led House had previously passed a bill dedicated to aiding Israel in November, but it stalled in the Senate as efforts focused on a more comprehensive security package requested by Biden. This ongoing legislative battle reflects the complexities of balancing national security interests, international alliances, and domestic political dynamics.
