NJDC Calls on GOP Senators to Break with House GOP and Support Foreign Aid
Listed in: Israel, Other Foreign Policy, NJDC News, Press Releases
In June, 164 House Republicans Voted Against $2.4 billion for Israel
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the Foreign Aid Appropriations Bill, which was passed by the House - despite heavy Republican opposition - in June. The bill contains $2.4 billion in aid for Israel. Today, the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) called on the Senate Republican Leadership to break with their counterparts in the House GOP and support foreign aid.
"In June, House Republicans shattered the recent bipartisan consensus on foreign aid, and instead fell prey to a form of politically expedient - yet substantively irresponsible - isolationism," said NJDC Executive Director Ira N. Forman. "Foreign aid, which includes billions of dollars in needed funding for Israel, should not be political football."
Floor debate on the House Floor in June saw several Republicans rely on traditional isolationist arguments about foreign aid dollars being better spent in the United States. The Leadership went so far as to send a whip letter to Republican Members complaining that the bill costs too much. The Leadership also supported an amendment which included a cut of $2.4 million in aid for Israel.
"I sincerely hope that the Senate Republican Leadership will be more responsible than House Republican Leaders proved to be in June," continued Forman.
