Pod Save America Hosts Call on Democrats to Cut All Israel Military Aid, No Longer Accept AIPAC Funding
Jews, Israelis Targeted in Austria Amid Surge in Antisemitic Incidents; Local Jewish Community Calls for Action
‘All of Our Strength’: Over 1,000 Pro-Israel Activists Gather in DC for Solidarity Conference
‘Devastated’: Wesley LePatner, Killed in Manhattan Mass Shooting, Was a Jewish Communal, Philanthropic Leader
Sen. Angus King Vows to No Longer Vote for Israel Military Aid Until Gaza Conditions Improve
Europe Won’t Pressure Israel to ‘Commit Suicide’ Amid Gaza Backlash, Palestinian State Push, Says Israeli FM
Israel’s National Soccer Coach Attacked in Athens Before Soccer Fans Chant ‘F–K Israel, Free Palestine’ at Match
New York Judge Sentences Neo-Nazi to 5 Years for Livestreaming Bomb Threats Against Jewish Hospitals
US Pressures Lebanon to Issue Cabinet Decision to Disarm Hezbollah Before Talks Continue
UK Plans to Recognize Palestinian State in September Unless Israel Meets Conditions, Starmer Says
House of Representatives Rejects Move to Cut Foreign Aid, Exempting Israel
Error: Contact form not found.
by JNS.org
House of Representatives Building and the East Portico of the US Capitol. Photo: Flickr.
JNS.org – The US House of Representatives rejected two amendments on Tuesday evening that apparently would have cut foreign aid except to Israel, despite the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s claim that stated otherwise.
Reps. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) and Rick Allen (R-Ga.) each introduced an amendment to cut 2.1 percent and 1 percent, respectively, of the State and Foreign Operations budget across the board.
Just now, the House of Representatives voted to oppose two amendments that would have cut the foreign aid budget and security assistance to Israel. We appreciate the members who stood in support of this cost-effective investment that promotes U.S. interests.
— AIPAC (@AIPAC) June 19, 2019
Grothman told JNS on Wednesday that his and Allen’s amendment would not have touched the $3.3 billion in annual US assistance to Israel.
His office explained that “his amendment was a decrease in the increase to the top-line number. The reason why this is the most important sentence is that it means his amendment had nothing to do with the $3.3 billion allocated to Israel. Whether the amendment was adopted or not, as it wasn’t, Israel still would still receive $3.3 billion in aid should this bill be signed into law, which the Congressman supports.”
Grothman also mentioned his intent to contact AIPAC to clarify in response to the pro-Israel lobby’s tweet.
AIPAC told JNS, “Our understanding is that the language of this amendment would not have excluded those funds.”
Allen did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Allen, along with Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), introduced a resolution in April reaffirming the importance of America’s economic relationship with Israel. The resolution highlights the many ways that US-Israel economic cooperation has benefited both countries, including encouraging technological innovation and scientific advancement.
“Israel has been one of our most beloved allies, and we must continue to stand in solidarity with this beacon of democracy,” said Allen at the time. “I look forward to advancing our mutually beneficial friendship and partnership with Israel for years to come.”
“I have long opposed amendments that indiscriminately apply an across the board cut to the carefully thought out funding recommendations in each appropriations bill [which] make no provision for protecting high priority programs … such as security assistance to Israel,” said Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), who chairs the House Appropriations Committee.
