The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $14.3 billion aid package for Israel by a 226-196 vote with 12 Democrats joining Republicans in support of the bill.
H.R. 6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, seems to be dead on arrival in the Senate as Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he has no plans to take up the proposal.
Every member of the Alabama Republican congressional delegation supported the bill pushed by the newly elected Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
“When Biden Democrats show weakness in foreign policy stances, our friends around the world suffer,” U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) said.
“Israel has every right defend itself from the brutal attacks we have been witnessing over the past month. With this piece of legislation, we are helping an ally in need while also cutting funding from Joe Biden’s weaponized IRS. These funds are better used supporting Israel than being used by IRS agents to audit middle class Americans.”
These funds are better used supporting Israel than being used by IRS agents to audit middle class Americans. https://t.co/TSO1EMOOpt
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) November 2, 2023
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) believes the U.S. needs to do whatever it can to support Israel in this war.
“Israel is the United States’ most strategic ally in the Middle East and has a right to defend its sovereignty. This package will provide critical, American-made military equipment, ensure our own defense stockpiles are replenished, bolster defense of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, and assist with evacuating U.S. citizens from the region,” Strong said. “Iranian-backed- Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists are going to continue to feel the heat of Huntsville. I am proud of the hardworking men and women of North Alabama who have played a critical role in establishing and maintaining the U.S.-Israeli missile defense programs.”
The House just passed the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. pic.twitter.com/jwEKTsAqJQ
— Dale W. Strong (@RepDaleStrong) November 2, 2023
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) said helping support Israel will also help America’s national security.
“Israel, our strategic ally for nearly 75 years, is working to defend itself against brazen terrorists who want to extinguish them,” Moore said. “At least 1,400 Israelis and 30 Americans have lost their lives. It is imperative we support and supply Israel with resources and demonstrate strength on the world’s stage in a time of grave danger. Instead of taking more money out of Americans’ bank accounts, this legislation cuts $14 billion in Democrat funding to the weaponized IRS to protect Israel.”
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) argued that the United States has an “obligation” to help its ally.
Thursday evening I voted to approve a standalone bill to provide assistance to Israel as it fights back against the Hamas terrorists. Israel is our most important ally in the Middle East and we have an obligation to support them as they fight to survive. #IStandWithIsrael
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) November 2, 2023
U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) said he will also stand with Israel.
The House just passed a bill to show our support towards Israel and ensure our ally is getting the assistance it needs to defend itself against Hamas’ unprovoked terrorist attacks.
This assault on Israel is horrific. @HouseGOP stands with Israel. 🇮🇱
— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) November 2, 2023
While the aid package got approval from Republicans, the lone Democratic member of the Alabama congressional delegation said she couldn’t support a bill that doesn’t give aid to innocent Palestinians.
My statement on House Republicans' partisan Israel supplemental aid package ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/yQYBSzb58m
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) November 2, 2023
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee