Democrats criticize House bill removing IRS funding for Israel.
Democrats Criticize GOP House Bill Tying Funding for Israel to IRS Cuts
Democrats on Capitol Hill are voicing their concerns over a Republican House bill that links funding for Israel to cuts in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) funding. The bill, released on Oct. 30, allocates the requested $14.3 billion for Israel but offsets that amount with equal cuts to the IRS. This move is strongly opposed by Democrats and is unlikely to gain their support.
The House is scheduled to vote on the bill on Nov. 2.
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“The House GOP’s bill is dead on arrival. We face a set of urgent and interrelated national security priorities, and we cannot do half the job. We’ve got to address all of them in a serious, bipartisan way—in one package,” posted Senate Appropriations Chairwoman and Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray (D-Wash.) on X, formerly Twitter.
“Our support for Israel must always come before politics. It is unconscionable that the majority would try to seize on the trauma and urgency of this moment to push for partisan offsets. The price for these political points will be paid in Jewish lives,” posted Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) on X.
The bill allocates $4 billion for the Iron Dome missile defense and David’s Sling air defense systems, which can be used until Sept. 30, 2026. While there is no specific funding for the Arrow missile defense systems, it is likely that funds from Air Force missile procurement could be used for this crucial element of Israel’s defense systems.
“It’s sickening that Republicans want to play political games with aid to Israel while Israelis and American hostages suffer at the hands of Hamas. How dare they politicize this crisis for cheap political points. Israel needs our help,” posted Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) on X.
“Steep learning curve for the new speaker. Pro tip: don’t offset your help to Israel by also helping Hamas. Cuts to IRS enforcement capabilities benefit tax cheats, criminals, and illicit funding networks like the ones supporting Hamas,” posted Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.) on X, taking a shot at Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), who was elected on Oct. 25 to the position second in line to the president.
The legislation sets aside $801.4 million for Israel’s army ammunition, $10 million for naval weapons acquisitions, and $38.6 million for air force missiles. These funds can be used until Sept. 30, 2026.
“This moment obviously requires serious leadership. Instead, the new speaker chose to play politics right out of the gate with this emergency funding bill,” posted Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) on X.
Reps. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-Fla.) accused the GOP of using the Israel funding issue as a political wedge.
There is $1.35 billion allocated for research, development, testing, and evaluating Israel’s defense until Sept. 30, 2025. Of this amount, $1.2 billion can be used for developing the Iron Beam defense system, designed to intercept short-range rockets.
“In his first move, @SpeakerJohnson shows us who he is and what his caucus stands for by endangering Israel and the world for MAGA political red meat. Organizations committed to the decades-long bipartisan support for Israel must stand firmly against such grotesque partisan games,” posted Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) on X.
Mr. Johnson’s first move as speaker was putting forth a resolution condemning Hamas and expressing support for Israel, which overwhelmingly passed on Oct. 25—just hours after being elected speaker.
However, despite his criticism of eliminating IRS funding, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) stated that he will support the bill. He called it a “political mailer as policy put forward by unserious people” and emphasized that supporting Israel is not a game.
Why do Democrats argue that funding for Israel should not be tied to cuts in IRS funding in the bill?
Porting terrorism. This bill is a dangerous game with life and death consequences,” tweeted Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) on X.
The Democrats’ criticism of the GOP House bill can be attributed to the linkage between funding for Israel and cuts to the IRS. Democrats argue that these two issues should be addressed separately and not used as bargaining chips in a political game. They believe that supporting Israel is a crucial national security priority and should not be tied to any partisan offsets.
By tying funding for Israel to cuts in IRS funding, Democrats believe that the bill undermines both the fight against anti-Semitism and the ability of the IRS to effectively collect taxes and enforce tax laws. They argue that the IRS plays a vital role in maintaining the economic stability of the country and reducing its funding would only lead to detrimental consequences.
Furthermore, Democrats express concern over the timing of the bill. They believe that in the face of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, it is crucial to provide immediate and unconditional support to Israel. Linking this support to unrelated budget cuts is seen as exploiting a critical situation for political gain.
The bill’s allocation of $4 billion for the Iron Dome missile defense and David’s Sling air defense systems is seen as a positive step. However, the absence of specific funding for the Arrow missile defense system raises questions. Democrats argue that ensuring a comprehensive defense for Israel should be a priority and funds should be allocated accordingly.
The criticism from Democrats highlights the ongoing partisan divide in Congress and the challenges of achieving bipartisan support for crucial legislation. While support for Israel has traditionally been a bipartisan issue, the linkage to IRS cuts in this bill has created a significant hurdle. It remains to be seen whether the bill will be able to pass in the House and advance to the Senate.
In the midst of these debates, the security and well-being of Israel should remain the top priority. It is essential for lawmakers to put aside partisan differences and work towards providing the necessary support for Israel, without compromising the effectiveness of the IRS or using it as a bargaining chip. Ultimately, the focus should be on strengthening the US-Israel relationship and ensuring the safety and security of both nations.
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