Staff Reports
In a clear display of partisan politics, House Democrats are hitting the brakes on pushing forward an Israel stand-alone aid bill. Last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) floated the idea, following comments from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), calling for new elections in Israel. However, the Democrats are demanding that if Republicans want to see support for Israel funding, they need to prioritize Ukraine aid first. The Democrats argue that Ukraine aid is more urgent, especially as the House enters a two-week recess.
Democrats cool to another Israel stand-alone aid bill and sound alarm on Ukraine https://t.co/r0gjvzHehU https://t.co/r0gjvzHehU
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 21, 2024
The push to prioritize Ukraine aid was emphasized by Rules Committee ranking member Jim McGovern (D-MA), who highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that “on Ukraine, time isn’t only running out, time has run out.” He criticized the Republicans for not taking action on Ukraine aid and expressed frustration with their focus on Israel assistance. Other Democrats echoed this sentiment, with Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT) blasting Republicans for neglecting Ukraine aid and called it “irresponsible” and a “win for Putin” every day that they delay action.
While the Democrats are united in supporting Ukraine aid, the party is divided when it comes to aiding Israel in its conflict with Hamas. The impact on Palestinian citizens in Gaza and support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have sparked internal disagreement among the Democrats. This division was further highlighted as House Republicans consider inviting Netanyahu to speak before Congress, a move that has drawn criticism from Democrats, including McGovern, who called Netanyahu a “very divisive figure.”
In response to the Democrats’ calls to prioritize Ukraine aid, House Speaker Mike Johnson affirmed the Republican stance on supporting Israel, stating, “It’s very important for us to show solidarity and support with Israel right now in their time of great struggle.” He also expressed the GOP’s commitment to advancing support for Israel in any way possible, including potentially inviting Netanyahu to Capitol Hill, a move opposed by Democrats.
The Senate’s bipartisan foreign aid bill, which includes humanitarian aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, is being advocated for by Democrats as the priority for the House. Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA) emphasized the importance of bringing this legislation to the House floor, stating that it should be the House’s priority and urging Speaker Johnson to act if he’s truly interested in the House working its will.
Overall, the political divide between the Democrats prioritizing Ukraine aid and the Republicans focusing on supporting Israel is evident. The ongoing impasse highlights the partisan gridlock in Congress, with both sides pushing their respective agendas while criticizing the other for their perceived inaction.
