Washington — House Republicans will pass a $17.6 billion package that provides military aid to Israel and replenishes U.S. weapons but does not help Ukraine, highlighting the difficulties supporters of a comprehensive national security package that includes billions for immigration enforcement face.
The action allows Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans to endorse Israel even if the Senate is unlikely to agree. A Senate compromise draft is scheduled to be issued this weekend, and a major test vote will be taken this week.
Johnson said Senate leadership knows that excluding the House from discussions prevents quick legislative consideration. “As I have said consistently for the past three months, the House will have to work its will on these issues and address our priorities,” Johnson wrote to colleagues.
In November, the House approved a roughly $14.5 billion military aid plan for Israel that the Senate rejected. Republicans want further cuts to pay for it. The plan trimmed the IRS, but the impartial Congressional Budget Office estimated it would cost the federal government $12.5 billion in tax revenue.
The 226-196 vote was more contentious due to IRS cutbacks. Johnson wrote to colleagues that reducing offsets should speed Israel aid.
Johnson said Democrats made plain their main opposition to the original House plan was its offsets throughout debate and in several subsequent remarks. “The Senate will no longer have excuses, however misguided, against swift passage of this critical support for our ally.
Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., published the Israel military assistance bill. It would replenish missile defense systems with $4 billion and fight short-range missiles and mortars with $1.2 billion. Advanced weapons systems and artillery and ammunition manufacture are also funded.
The funding includes $4.4 billion to replenish U.S. weaponry supplied to Israel to maintain readiness. Current U.S. military activities in the region cost $3.3 billion.
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