The Biden administration’s request for $106 billion in emergency military and humanitarian aid for Israel and Ukraine faced resistance from House Republicans this week.
Secretaries Blinken and Austin testified before the Senate, arguing the two aid packages were linked and should not be separated. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced a GOP bill providing only $14.3 billion for Israel while cutting IRS funding, and no assistance for Ukraine.
Johnson’s proposal aligned with growing GOP opposition to continued Ukraine aid nearly 8 months into Russia’s invasion. It brought the new Speaker into conflict with Democrats, some Republicans, and Senate leader McConnell backing Biden’s full aid request.
Administration officials contended aid for Israel and Ukraine was vital for American security against shared threats from Iran and Russia. But many House Republicans argued priorities should shift toward border security and away from IRS funding Biden recently increased.
With Biden threatening a veto, debate continues over balancing domestic priorities with military support for key allies facing security crises. The aid fight highlighted foreign policy divisions between the new Republican House majority and the White House.
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