NJDC Calls on House GOP to Follow Lead of Senate Counterparts: Drop Opposition to 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. - Late last night, the U.S. Senate passed the Foreign Aid Appropriations Bill by an overwhelming margin of 81-12 (with all 12 nay votes coming from Republicans). The Senate Bill enjoyed substantially more bipartisan support than the concurrent House Bill, which was opposed by GOP Leadership and a total of 164 Republican Members (the vote occurred in June). In addition, House GOP Leaders supported a 1% across the board cut in foreign aid, which included a $2.4 million cut in aid to Israel.
Today, the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) called on the House Republican Leadership to reverse course, drop their opposition to the Bill, and stand with their Senate counterparts.
"Senate Democrats and Republicans alike should be applauded for their support of the Foreign Aid Appropriations Bill, and friends of Israel should be encouraged that Foreign Aid continues to enjoy bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate," said NJDC Executive Director Ira N. Forman. "Here's hoping that the House Republican leaders are swayed by public pressure and reconsider their opposition to Foreign Aid."
During House consideration of the Bill, the Republican Leadership sent a whip letter to GOP Members' offices which opposed the bill on fiscal grounds. From the letter: "Please advise your boss that Leadership will be voting NO on final passage of the Democrats' State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, and strongly encourage Republican Members to do the same ..."
The Foreign Aid Appropriation Bill includes $2.4 billion in aid for Israel.
