“Israel Cannot Bomb Its Way to a Long-Term Solution”: GOP Greenlights $14.3 Billion Israel Aid Bill via IRS Cuts, Igniting Fierce Backlash

Jo ShawNov 5, 2023

Minute Read

In a test of the newly elected speaker Johnson’s strength, the House recently passed a bill to send Israel $14.3 billion in emergency aid. The aid is aimed at helping Israel to eradicate the group Hamas. However, the proposed legislation has created an angry debate between Democrats and Republicans as the aid to Israel is to be paid for by cutting funding to the IRS. At the same time, CBO has recently reported that the bill could increase the nation’s deficit by $26 billion.

Money Comes From the Inflation Reduction Act

Funds for the emergency aid are said to be sourced from an $80 billion increase to the IRS as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, passed by the Democrats in the previous Congress.

“We’re Not Just Going to Print Money”

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.

Newley-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson explained to Fox News, “We’re going to have pays-for in the bill,” He further stated, “We’re not just going to print money and send it overseas.”

Johnson Says Standing With Israel More Important

Johnson further said in the interview, “I understand their priority is to bulk up the IRS, but I think if you put this to the American people and they weigh the two needs, I think they’re going to say standing with Israel and protecting the innocent over there is in our national interest and is a more immediate need than IRS agents.”

No Ceasefire Is Needed

During another press conference, House speaker Johnson controversially told reporters, “Israel doesn’t need a ceasefire,” The statement came in response to calls from some Congress members for a ceasefire in Gaza. “It needs its allies to cease with the politics and deliver support now,” he further declared.

Israel Needs Aid to Defend Itself

Editorial credit: Allen J.M. Smith / Shutterstock.

“House Republicans plan to do that,” he continued. “We’re going to do it in short order and provide Israel the aid it needs to defend itself against hostages and eradicate Hamas, which is a mission that must be accomplished.”

Only Two Republicans Voted Against the Bill

The bill was approved with a vote of 226 to 196, with most members voting along party lines. Twelve Democrats joined 214 Republicans in supporting the bill, while two Republicans sided with 194 Democrats in opposition. Republican Representatives Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene voted against the legislation.

$26 Billion Could Be Added to Deficit

Editorial credit: Postmodern Studio / Shutterstock.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has provided its fiscal projections for the bill, indicating that allocating $14.4 billion in emergency aid to Israel may result in an extra $26 billion added to the national deficit.

Bill Not Likely to Pass Senate

The bill’s prospects for passing the Senate are dim, as Democrats have stressed the need to link aid to Ukraine rather than linking it to the withdrawal of IRS funds.

Biden Already Requested $105 Billion Aid Package

Editorial credit: Philip Yabut / Shutterstock.

The Republican bill initiates a clash over backing for Israel, as President Biden and Senate Democrats aim to combine assistance for Israel with substantial aid for Ukraine. This move faces opposition from some House Republicans. A few weeks ago, the White House requested a $105 billion aid package from Congress, encompassing $14 billion for Israel and $61 billion allocated to Ukraine.

The Definition of Backwards

In a statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, she argued that “Threatening to undermine American national security unless House Republicans can help the wealthy and big corporations cheat on their taxes—which would increase the deficit—is the definition of backwards.”

GOP Playing Political Games

“Playing political games that threaten the source of funding for Israel’s self-defense—now and into the future—would set an unacceptable precedent that calls our commitment to one of our closest allies into question. We cannot afford to jeopardize that commitment as Israel defends itself from the evil unleashed by Hamas,” she concluded in her statement.

Bill Is a “Total Disaster.”

House Democrat Pete Aguilar expressed his discontent over the bill, stating, “They’re seeking to condition life-saving aid to Israel, for the sole purpose of making it easier for billionaires to cheat on their taxes.” “We’re learning a lot about this new speaker this week, with these first legislative decisions. And this has been a complete and total disaster,” he added.

Setting a “Dangerous Precedent.”

Editorial credit: chrisdorney / Shutterstock.

Rosa DeLauro, the Congresswoman from Connecticut’s Third Congressional District and ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee, stated House Republicans were setting a “dangerous precedent.” “House Republicans are setting a dangerous precedent by suggesting that protecting national security or responding to natural disasters is contingent upon cuts to other programs.”

Bill Does Not Include Funds for Humanitarian Assistance

She continued, “The partisan bill House Republicans introduced stalls our ability to help Israel defend itself and does not include a penny for humanitarian assistance.”

Democrats Criticize Israel’s Aggression

Editorial credit: Anas-Mohammed / Shutterstock.

Intensifying the division, certain Democrats have started to condemn Israel’s forceful and lethal military operation in retaliation to the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Sanders: Israel Cannot Bomb Its Way to a Solution

Senator Bernie Sanders, who is of Jewish heritage, has also urged Israel to halt its Gaza attacks. Sanders stated, “The disaster in Gaza cannot continue. The world must act to save innocent lives. But just as a humanitarian response is critical, it is equally important to lay out a path to a two-state solution and a democratic Palestine. Israel cannot bomb its way to a long-term solution.”

Bowman: Diplomatic Solution Is Needed

Editorial credit: Paul Froggatt / Shutterstock.

In the House, several progressive members have called for an immediate ceasefire. Representative Jamaal Bowman has recently told reporters, “Enough people have been killed. We have got to figure out a diplomatic solution.”

Growing the National Debt

People spoke up online over the announcement. One user posted, “This is my biggest problem with the Republican tax cuts. I am fiscally conservative and would love to celebrate the IRS not being needed, but tax cuts without subsequent cuts in spending is not fiscally conservative, and isn’t something to be celebrated. Both these things will only grow the national debt, and as a young person I fear the reckoning that our reckless government has foisted upon my generation, and the next.”

It’s “Pure Insanity”

Another said, “Pure insanity… only a party of ‘fiscal responsibility’ like the GOP is capable of increasing deficit by much more than the cost of the aid package!!!”