US House passes Republicans’ Israel-only aid bill, faces dead end in Senate | Reuters
The Republican-led House passed the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, restricting the president’s ability to withhold weapons from Israel, with a 224-187 vote. Sixteen Democrats supported the bill, while three Republicans opposed it. The legislation is unlikely to advance in the Democrat-controlled Senate, with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stating it is “not going anywhere.”
The bill follows the Biden administration’s decision to halt a weapons shipment to Israel, including large bombs, citing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized this move, emphasizing Congressional support for Israel. The White House, opposing the bill, argued it undermines effective foreign policy and stated President Biden would veto it if necessary.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson labeled the bill a political maneuver rather than a genuine effort to assist Israel. Outside the Capitol, about 20 pro-Palestinian staffers protested, urging an end to U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, an unusual move for congressional staff. Rep. Mike Lawler called for the dismissal of these protesting staffers.
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