Biden White House Slams GOP's $14.3B Israel Aid Package Underpinned By Defunding IRS: 'The Definition of Backwards'

The White House has denounced a proposal from the House Republicans, which seeks to fund aid for Israel by slashing funds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), labeling it as “the definition of backwards.”

As reported by The Hill, the White House was quick to dismiss the proposal, criticizing the GOP’s attempt to politicize the nation’s security interests.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement, warning against the potential negative impact of the proposal on the U.S.’s safety and alliances.

"Playing political games that threaten the source of funding for Israel's self-defense — now and into the future — would set an unacceptable precedent that calls our commitment to one of our closest allies into question," she said.

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Last week, the White House put forth a $106 billion national security supplemental funding request. This request included funds for Israel and Ukraine, as well as investments in the Indo-Pacific, humanitarian aid, and border security measures. Jean-Pierre emphasized the bipartisan support for the proposal.

The GOP’s package was revealed on Monday and would impact the funds included in the Inflation Reduction Act. This Act, a significant piece of President Joe Biden‘s policy achievements, features wide-ranging provisions for tax, health, and climate change.

The GOP’s proposal also deviates from the White House’s strategy of linking aid for Ukraine and Israel in the same legislation. Jean-Pierre warned that this deviation could pose difficulties in getting the bill passed. The legislation includes $4 billion for Israel’s defense systems and $1.2 billion for the development of the Iron Beam defense system.

Despite the House Rules Committee’s scheduled discussion on the legislation on Wednesday, it is unlikely to reach President Biden’s desk due to the Democratic-controlled Senate’s preference for linking support for Ukraine and Israel.

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