The US Congress is currently embroiled in a heated debate over aid to Israel, with Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announcing the possibility of a new stand-alone bill to assist the country. This comes as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has called for new elections in Israel to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a move that has sparked outrage among Israeli supporters.
Democrats are urging Johnson to consider the Senate’s $95 billion supplemental foreign aid package, which includes funds for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian support in Gaza. However, Johnson recently passed a stand-alone $14 billion aid bill for Israel, which Schumer criticized due to funding offsets, deeming it a nonstarter.
In a separate development, US Army boats have departed for Gaza on a mission to build a floating pier for food deliveries. Schumer condemned both Hamas and Israel for the high death toll of Palestinians and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Johnson, on the other hand, criticized Schumer for his comments, calling them “inappropriate” and accusing him of playing a divisive role in Israeli politics.
During discussions at the House GOP’s annual retreat at the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, Johnson stated that he is actively considering all options regarding the supplemental aid package, but is currently focused on government funding issues. With tensions high and differing opinions on how best to provide aid to Israel and address the situation in Gaza, Congress faces tough decisions in the coming days.
