Republican Senators Roger Marshall and Marsha Blackburn are poised to ignite the debate over Israel’s aid on Monday night by pushing for separate votes on stand-alone Israel aid bills.
Marshall’s Proposal
Senator Marshall will lead the charge for a .3 billion aid package, which includes cuts to the Biden administration’s billion expansion of the Internal Revenue Service under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
In a prepared statement, Marshall urged his colleagues to act, saying, “Actions speak louder than words. We are tired of the pro-Israel lip service while you simultaneously block every effort to help Israel in its time of need. History will not forget this; let’s do the right thing.”
Blackburn’s Proposal
Senator Blackburn will simultaneously push for a vote on a .6 billion aid package that does not include a financing mechanism.
Blackburn stated, “Democrats say they support Israel, but their actions since October 7 to repeatedly block urgent stand-alone aid have told a different story.”
Iran’s Drone Attack as a Catalyst
The push for stand-alone Israel aid bills comes after Iran launched a drone attack on Israel over the weekend.
“In light of Iran’s historic attack this weekend, I hope our Democratic colleagues will put politics aside and join us in support of our Jewish friends,” Blackburn added.
Expected Democratic Objection
However, a Democrat senator is likely to object to the unanimous consent requests as the caucus insists on linking Israel aid to Ukraine aid.
Background on Previous Votes
Marshall’s attempt to force a vote on a similar measure late last year was blocked by Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who argued that Ukraine’s needs were just as pressing as Israel’s.
The stand-alone Israel aid bill passed the House last year but was opposed by the White House, which maintains that it should be tied to aid for other countries.
White House’s Stance
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated the administration’s stance, saying, “We will not accept a stand-alone.”
National security communications spokesperson John Kirby added, “We are opposed to a stand-alone bill that would just work on Israel.”
Additional Information
- Marshall and Blackburn both voted against a .3 billion supplemental foreign aid package that included funding for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.
- Marshall argued that securing the US border should be prioritized over Ukraine funding.
