Republicans want to cut the IRS budget to aid Israel

The announcement, made on October 30 (local time), is considered one of the first important policy actions of the Republican Party under new House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The standalone supplemental spending bill is for Israel only, despite US President Joe Biden's request for a $106 billion package that includes aid to Israel, Ukraine and border security.

Mr Johnson, who voted against aid to Ukraine before being elected speaker of the House of Commons last week, said he wanted more accountability for the money sent to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia and that “ Israel is a separate issue”.

Mr Johnson added that increased support for Israel should be at the top of the US national security agenda, following the October 7 attack by Hamas forces.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement accusing Republicans of "politicizing national security."

“House Republicans are setting a dangerous precedent by suggesting that protecting national security or responding to natural disasters depends on cutting other programs,” said Rep . Rosa DeLauro, the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.

To become law, the proposal needs to pass the House and Senate before being signed by President Biden.

The House Rules Committee is scheduled to consider the Republican Israel Aid Bill on November 3.

President Biden had previously called for a joint aid package for both Ukraine and Israel in the $106 billion emergency budget bill instead of letting lawmakers vote separately on each issue.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration also announced a plan to provide $61.4 billion in additional funding to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, $14.3 billion to Israel and $9.2 billion for humanitarian relief in both countries.

The US Congress has approved $113 billion in aid to Ukraine since the conflict with Russia began in late February. However, opposition to additional aid to Kiev is growing among Republicans, with most Republicans in the House of Representatives opposing additional aid to Ukraine.

Hoa Vu (Source: Reuters)

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