Staff Reports
The White House declared that President Joe Biden plans to veto the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. The previous week, it was reported that the Biden administration was holding back ammunition from Israel and the president himself stated in an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett that he would stop aid if Israel continued its operation in Rafah. This statement from the White House came after Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary, spoke about the bill at Monday’s briefing.
The bill aims to force the administration to stop holding back weapon shipments and cutting funds for the Pentagon and State Department if they do not comply. The White House’s statement strongly opposes the bill, arguing that it limits the president’s ability to ensure that defense articles and services align with U.S. foreign policy objectives. They believe the bill undermines the president’s power to execute an effective foreign policy and could infringe on his authorities under the Constitution.
Biden's Veto Threat on Pro-Israel Legislation Comes As House Rules Committee Considers Bill
https://t.co/QjyoFKg3p3— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) May 15, 2024
The administration claims the bill is a misguided reaction to a distorted view of its approach to Israel. They state that the president has been clear about ensuring Israel has what it needs to defend itself and that their commitment to Israel is unwavering. The statement also warns that the bill could lead to unintended consequences and prohibit the U.S. from adjusting its security assistance posture with Israel as needed.
During a meeting about the bill, Rep. Joe Neguse brought up the veto threat and predicted that it would not be considered in the Senate. House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks spoke about the bill at the meeting. McCaul expressed frustration with the lack of transparency from the Biden administration, and Meeks emphasized the need for members of the administration to address the issue.
McCaul and other Republicans raised concerns about halting aid to Israel and emphasized the damage it could cause to the U.S.-Israel relationship. They also criticized the Biden administration’s handling of foreign policy issues, attributing recent conflicts to perceived weakness. Democrats, on the other hand, downplayed the impact of halting aid and sought to diminish its significance.
In summary, the White House plans to veto the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, arguing that it limits the president’s authority and could have unintended consequences. Republicans expressed concerns about the impact on the U.S.-Israel relationship and criticized the Biden administration’s approach to foreign policy, while Democrats downplayed the significance of halting aid to Israel.
