Senate Democrats’ foreign aid plan risks funding terrorists with taxpayer dollars
Senate Democrats’ Aid Plan Raises Concerns Over Funding Palestinian “Pay-for-Slay” Program
Senate Democrats have proposed a $111 billion aid plan that has raised concerns about indirectly funding the Palestinian government’s “pay-for-slay” program, which compensates the families of terrorists using American tax dollars.
The plan includes $75 million to address “food insecurity” and promote “reconciliation” between Israel and Palestinians. The bill states that this amount “may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law that restricts assistance to foreign countries.”
This provision appears to bypass the 2018 Taylor Force Act, a bipartisan law that prohibits U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority until it ceases compensating terrorists who attack Israel. Republicans argue that this provision benefits Palestinians and undermines American foreign policy.
A Senate Republican aide criticized the plan, stating, “Every Democrat who votes for this is voting to indirectly fund the Palestinian Authority’s ‘Pay for Slay’ programs. It’s a slap in the face to our allies in Israel and anyone who has been a victim of radical Islamic terrorism.”
The Palestinian Authority has long utilized its “pay-for-slay” program to channel foreign aid to the families of terrorists killed or imprisoned by Israel. Last month, the program reportedly paid out nearly $3 million to the families of terrorists killed in an attack by Hamas. Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas has refused to end the program.
The Taylor Force Act, named after an Army veteran murdered by a Palestinian terrorist in 2016, significantly reduced American aid to Palestinians. However, the Biden administration has attempted to bypass the law by directly sending around $500 million to the Palestinian Authority since 2021. American terrorism victims have filed lawsuits against the White House in response.
Even the Biden State Department expressed concerns about the aid, warning in March 2021 that “there is a high risk Hamas could potentially derive unintentional benefit from U.S. assistance to Gaza.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) did not provide a comment on the matter.
Negotiations over the spending package have reached an impasse, with Republicans and Democrats disagreeing on various provisions. Schumer plans to hold a vote on the bill Wednesday evening, although it is unlikely to pass.
Republicans argue that the immigration section of the bill is insufficient and fails to reform the nation’s asylum system. Senator Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) stated that he would vote against the bill unless there are stricter restrictions on how Israel can utilize military aid.
The package includes approximately $10.6 billion in aid for Israel, with over $5 billion allocated for its missile defense program. The House previously passed a military aid bill for Israel, but it was defeated by Democrats who objected to its financing through cuts to the Internal Revenue Service.
How does the provision in the aid plan potentially bypass the 2018 Taylor Force Act and what concerns does this raise among Republicans?
F Palestinian terrorism.” The aide further added, “We should not be using American tax dollars to incentivize and reward acts of violence against innocent Israelis.”
The “pay-for-slay” program, also known as the Palestinian Authority Martyrs Fund, provides monthly stipends to the families of Palestinians involved in acts of terrorism against Israelis. These payments are based on a tiered system that rewards more severe acts of violence. Critics argue that this program encourages violence and terrorism, as individuals may be motivated by the financial benefits it offers to their families.
The concerns over indirectly funding this program come from the $75 million allocated in the aid plan to address food insecurity and promote reconciliation between Israel and Palestinians. While the intention behind these funds may be noble, critics argue that this money could end up being used to finance the ”pay-for-slay” program indirectly.
The Republican opposition to this provision stems from the belief that it undermines the 2018 Taylor Force Act. Named after an American veteran who was killed in a Palestinian terrorist attack, the Taylor Force Act was passed with bipartisan support to ensure that American tax dollars do not contribute to the Palestinian Authority’s support of terrorism. By potentially bypassing this law, Senate Democrats have raised concerns among Republicans about the integrity of American foreign policy and the sanctity of aid funds.
Proponents of the aid plan argue that investing in food security and reconciliation efforts is essential for promoting stability in the region. They emphasize the importance of supporting the Palestinian people and striving for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, critics remain wary of the potential unintended consequences of providing funds that could indirectly support terrorism against Israel.
The debate over the aid plan reflects the broader tensions surrounding U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. While both Democrats and Republicans acknowledge the need for humanitarian assistance and peace-building efforts, they differ in their approaches and prioritization of various issues.
As the aid plan moves forward in the Senate, it will be crucial for lawmakers to address the concerns raised by the provision that could indirectly fund the Palestinian “pay-for-slay” program. Striking a balance between supporting the Palestinian people and ensuring that American tax dollars are not misused for violent purposes is a delicate task. Ultimately, it will be the responsibility of Congress to navigate these complexities and make informed decisions that uphold American values and interests in the region.
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