Legislation expected to pass but amendments on Israel and Ukraine could stall progress
Much has changed since October, when Joe Biden first proposed pairing another round of military assistance to Ukraine with new aid to Israel, as well as other American allies. Many of the president’s allies are today in open revolt over his support for the country’s invasion of Gaza, which Biden has continued even as he has publicly worried over its humanitarian impact and called for a ceasefire.
The foreign aid bill that Senate is expected to approve today will include about $4.4bn to replenish depleted US supplies given to Israel, $3.5bn to help Israel buy weapons, and more than $5bn for its missile defense systems. It will also make it easier for Israel to buy US weapons from other countries.
I look forward to offering amendments tomorrow to cut billions in offensive military funding to Israel from the proposed national security supplemental package and protect essential humanitarian operations. The Senate should have a chance to debate and vote on the key components of such a massive package.
In poll after poll, Americans have showed their increasing disgust for Netanyahu’s war machine and the humanitarian disaster it has caused in Gaza.
Biden is heading to Tampa, Florida, to campaign in a state he hopes to win in November, even though it hasn’t voted for a Democratic president since 2012. The president will condemn the state’s six-week abortion ban, which takes effect next week.
Primaries are happening all over the country today, including in Pennsylvania, where progressive Democrat Summer Lee faces a challenger backed by a pro-Israel group.
Donald Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan continues, with judge Juan Merchan considering whether the former president violated a gag order. Follow our live blog for more.
Continue reading…Legislation expected to pass but amendments on Israel and Ukraine could stall progressMuch has changed since October, when Joe Biden first proposed pairing another round of military assistance to Ukraine with new aid to Israel, as well as other American allies. Many of the president’s allies are today in open revolt over his support for the country’s invasion of Gaza, which Biden has continued even as he has publicly worried over its humanitarian impact and called for a ceasefire.The foreign aid bill that Senate is expected to approve today will include about $4.4bn to replenish depleted US supplies given to Israel, $3.5bn to help Israel buy weapons, and more than $5bn for its missile defense systems. It will also make it easier for Israel to buy US weapons from other countries.I look forward to offering amendments tomorrow to cut billions in offensive military funding to Israel from the proposed national security supplemental package and protect essential humanitarian operations. The Senate should have a chance to debate and vote on the key components of such a massive package.In poll after poll, Americans have showed their increasing disgust for Netanyahu’s war machine and the humanitarian disaster it has caused in Gaza.Biden is heading to Tampa, Florida, to campaign in a state he hopes to win in November, even though it hasn’t voted for a Democratic president since 2012. The president will condemn the state’s six-week abortion ban, which takes effect next week.Primaries are happening all over the country today, including in Pennsylvania, where progressive Democrat Summer Lee faces a challenger backed by a pro-Israel group.Donald Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan continues, with judge Juan Merchan considering whether the former president violated a gag order. Follow our live blog for more. Continue reading…