The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is causing divisions on Capitol Hill, as House Republicans plan to introduce a bill condemning President Joe Biden’s decision to pause weapons transfers to Israel. The Israel Security Assistance Support Act, sponsored by Reps. Calvert and Cole, aims to counter Biden’s withholding of military aid to Israel. The bill, scheduled for a vote, has strong GOP support, despite Biden’s threat to veto it.
House Democrats are torn between supporting the bill and backing their party leader. Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar expects most Democrats to vote against the bill, citing the need to respect the president’s foreign policy decisions. Some pro-Israel Democrats criticize the bill as politically motivated and ineffective in supporting Israel.
While the Biden administration has not pressured Democrats to vote against the bill, there is growing pressure from the White House. Despite some Democrats planning to vote for the bill, there is still uncertainty regarding its passage in the Senate.
Republicans reject accusations of politicizing the issue and argue that Biden’s actions were driven by appeasing progressive Democrats. The bill’s fate in the Senate remains uncertain, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer indicating it is unlikely to advance.
