16 Democrats join Republicans in criticizing Biden for delaying weapons to Israel.
House Democrats United to Support Bill Rebuking President Biden’s Israel Aid Decision
Several House Democrats stood in defiance of the White House to back a bill rebuking President Biden for withholding offensive aid from Israel on Thursday. The Israel Security Assistance Support Act aimed to condemn the president’s handling of Israel’s Gaza invasion while urging the Biden administration to quickly deliver any approved weapons shipments.
The bill saw a vote of 224 to 187, with 16 Democrats joining 208 Republicans in supporting it. Among the Democrats who backed the bill were Reps. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y.; Darren Soto, D-Fla.; Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y.; Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash.; and Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, among others. Conversely, three Republicans voted against the bill — Reps. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio; Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.; and Thomas Massie, R-Ky.
During the bill’s debate, House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, criticized President Biden’s decision to withhold approved weapons, describing it as defying congressional intent and likening it to an arms embargo. He emphasized that red lines should be drawn for enemies, not allies like Israel, suggesting that the administration’s actions are detrimental to the long-standing relationship with the Middle Eastern nation.
In addition to condemning the aid delay, the bill would withhold funding from key government officials if any impediments occurred in the delivery of weapons. However, opponents of the bill expressed concerns about setting a precedent that could hinder a president’s foreign policy decisions.
The backlash against Biden’s approach to Israel intensified following the pause in a bomb shipment from Israel due to fears it would end up in Rafah, as well as warnings that offensive weapons would not be sent if they targeted civilian areas in the southern Gaza Strip. Nevertheless, reports emerged that Biden had proceeded with a $1 billion weapons shipment to Israel prior to the House vote.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., stated that he does not intend to bring the bill to the Senate floor, citing the White House’s threat to veto the measure if it reached Biden’s desk. The White House defended its stance, asserting that the bill misinterprets its approach to Israel, emphasizing that the U.S. will always ensure Israel’s defense needs are met.
House Democratic leaders, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., actively advised members of their caucus to vote against the bill. Notably, the issue of Israel has sparked divisions within the Democratic Party, with some lawmakers questioning Israel’s response to the Gaza conflict and the broader U.S.-Israel alliance.
The friction underscores the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party, with progressive voices expressing more critical views on the U.S.-Israel relationship compared to their more moderate counterparts. The conflicting opinions on Israel highlight the internal debate that the party is navigating.
