On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved $14.3 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations to aid Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act passed 226-196. The bulk of the funds will go toward military and security assistance, such as replenishing Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defense systems. Roughly $200 million will go toward increasing security at the U.S. embassy and evacuation of American citizens.
The act will be paid for by redirecting funds meant for the Internal Revenue Service's new agents recently approved in the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
"When Biden Democrats show weakness in foreign policy stances, our friends around the world suffer," said U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) following the bill's passage. "Israel has every right to defend itself from the brutal attacks we have been witnessing over the past month. With this piece of legislation, we are helping an ally in need while also cutting funding from Joe Biden's weaponized IRS. These funds are better used supporting Israel than being used by IRS agents to audit middle-class Americans."
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) also strongly supported the act and for Israel.
"Israel, our strategic ally for nearly 75 years, is working to defend itself against brazen terrorists who want to extinguish them," said Moore. "At least 1,400 Israelis and 30 Americans have lost their lives. It is imperative we support and supply Israel with resources and demonstrate strength on the world's stage in a time of grave danger. Instead of taking more money out of Americans' bank accounts, this legislation cuts $14 billion in Democrat funding to the weaponized IRS to protect Israel."
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) called the act a "two-for-one" deal and commended North Alabama's Redstone Arsenal for helping design the Iron Dome.
"Iranian-backed- Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists are going to continue to feel the heat of Huntsville," Strong said. "I am proud of the hardworking men and women of North Alabama who have played a critical role in establishing and maintaining the U.S.-Israeli missile defense programs."
He continued, "The way I see it, we're getting a two-for-one deal here – helping a historic, democratic ally of the U.S. to defend itself and protecting the American people from a wave of new Biden administration IRS agents. I hope the Senate will act swiftly to pass this critical package."
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) voted against the bill, saying she was "disappointed" Republicans turned it "into a bitter partisan battle" and that it would fail in the Senate.
To connect with the story's author or comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
