Four Republican senators are working to make sure Israel gets aid from the U.S. without tying it to President Biden’s $100 billion package that would include funds for Ukraine, Taiwan and domestic issues.
The Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023 introduced by Sens. Roger Marshall of Kansas, J.D. Vance of Ohio, Mike Lee of Utah and Ted Cruz of Texas is a stand-alone bill that would get Israel aid quickly while blocking the Biden administration from leveraging the aid for more Ukraine funding.
“Russia still needs to be defeated. Taiwan still needs to be defended. This bill is about one thing and one thing only: getting our Israeli allies the aid they need, as fast as possible, for as long as it takes them to utterly eradicate Hamas,” Mr. Cruz said in a statement.
It would provide $14.3 billion to Israel, including $10.6 billion for assistance through the Defense Department, $3.5 billion for foreign military financing and $200 million to help protect U.S. embassies and personnel.
“It is essential that the United States provide support for our allies in Israel. That assistance should not depend on whether we continue to provide aid to Ukraine,” Mr. Vance said in a statement. “Despite what the president claims, they are unique conflicts that should be handled individually. Misguided attempts to combine them will only delay Israel receiving the support they need.”
The money would help strengthen Israel’s Iron Dome and Iron Beam systems and add weapons for the Israelis. It would not provide any aid to Gaza that could wind up in the hands of Hamas terrorists.
The $200 million for embassies and personnel would also help Americans return stateside.
This bill comes after the Biden administration asked Congress for a $100 billion aid package that includes money for Ukraine, Israel and domestic issues such as border protection.
Most in Congress are all in for helping Israel after Hamas’ sneak attack of Oct. 7 caused over 4,000 deaths, including at least 30 Americans.
Ukraine aid has been a cause of contention, with many Republicans staunchly against it and Democrats for it. Hence the GOP’s call for standalone bills so aid can reach Israel fast.
“My colleagues and I firmly believe that any aid to Israel should not be used as leverage to send tens of billions of dollars to Ukraine,” Mr. Marshall said in a statement. “Any package that does so would result in funds and resources being delayed in Israel’s time of need.”
“Congress should have the opportunity to consider and vote on prospective aid packages individually,” Mr. Lee said in a statement.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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