Biden Threatens to Veto House-Approved $14.5 Billion Aid Package for Israel Amidst Partisan Tensions

House-approved bill makes controversial spending cuts elsewhere to offset Israel aid, White House cites lack of assistance for Gaza and potential damage to U.S. alliances as key reasons for veto.

• The veto threat by President Biden on the $14.5 billion aid package for Israel, passed by the House, is largely due to the Republican approach of offsetting the aid with spending cuts in other sectors. This approach has turned the typically bipartisan vote into a divisive issue.
• New House Speaker Mike Johnson defends the package, arguing that it equips Israel to defend itself, negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas and eliminate the militant group. This would be achieved while also ensuring responsible spending and reducing the federal government's size.
• Democrats contest this approach, stating that such a partisan strategy will only delay aid to Israel while not allocating the aid to more urgent areas like Ukraine, which is fighting Russia, U.S. efforts to counter China, and security at the border with Mexico.
• Johnson's package does not include humanitarian aid for Gaza—a significant issue according to the White House—as it deepens the crisis. The White House has also warned of the damaging implications for U.S. safety and alliances.
• To fund the bill, House Republicans aim to cut billions from the IRS, thereby increasing the federal government's debt. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) warns this could result in lost revenue from tax collections, adding up to an overall cost higher than the proposed aid package.

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