Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — The House and the Senate are at odds over how to proceed with President Joe Biden’s sweeping funding request for foreign aid and national security goals.

On Tuesday, Senate Democrats will seek to bolster their position at a hearing titled “A Review of the National Security Supplemental Request,” where Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are expected to make their case for fully funding the new spending package.

Their testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to be critical in the Democratic-led Senate’s crafting and passing a bill to respond to the administration’s $105 billion request, covering aid to Ukraine and Israel, efforts to contain China and tougher border security in the U.S.

“Congress must pass President Biden’s supplemental request with aid for Israel, Ukraine, the South Pacific and humanitarian help for Gaza,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters Monday, calling for speedy action to advance them together.

There is broad Senate support in both parties for approving the provisions together in one package.

“We need money for Israel, we need money for Ukraine, and we need to secure our own border. And we need to help Taiwan counter China. At the end of the day, all of those things have to be done,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “Not some of them, but all of them.”

But the Republican-controlled House plans to break off the Israel aid and pass it this week, attached to IRS funding cuts that Biden and Democrats firmly oppose, said newly minted Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who faces pressure from GOP hard-liners to cut spending alongside emergency funding for Israel.

Some Republican senators are backing Johnson’s approach.

“If we’re going to cut something, I’d love to cut the IRS,” said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. “So I would say that I’m all in favor of cutting the IRS.”

The White House and Democratic allies blasted Johnson’s plan.

“That’s a recipe for disaster,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. “I had a brief moment of hope that the House might be getting their act together, but that sounds disastrous to me.”

Murphy also said the foreign aid measures should move together.

“Moving them separately is an invitation to hand Ukraine to Putin. I do not see how we have the time between now and the end of November to do a [government funding bill], Ukraine aid and Israel aid separately,” he said. “So you have to package these two together.”

Multiple Democrats noted that the extra IRS funding, approved under Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act last year, has been analyzed by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and found to be a net revenue raiser. The provision is expected to be used to beef up tax collection among wealthy individuals and entities.

“Speaker Johnson’s top priority as speaker is to provide aid to Israel and cut revenue to the federal government? Doesn’t sound like a great deal to me,” said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del.

Some Republican senators warned that the proposal would need to change before it could reach Biden’s desk.

“It is not in proper form right now — the White House should know that. Ukraine is important; Israel is important,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D. “But when you talk about the border, we’re talking about actual border security. They’re talking about spending money moving people away from the border. That’s not going to be acceptable. So they have to make some major changes in what they were proposing to spend the money on.”

Rounds added: “I think the appropriate place to start is in the Senate Appropriations Committee, and they’ll get lots of feedback on it.”

The funding fight will play out at Tuesday’s hearing with Blinken and Austin, which is expected to last up to three hours.

“They need to make a strong case for keeping the package together,” said Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the top Republican on the Appropriations Committee.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said, “I would like to hear a consistent message from the administration on why this funding is important and how much is needed and what it’s going to be used for.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., endorsed the package of funds Monday, making an impassioned case to “help Ukraine win the war” to protect American security.

“If Russia prevails, there’s no question that Putin’s appetite for empire will extend to NATO, raising the threat to the U.S. trans-Atlantic alliance and the risk of war for America. Such an outcome would demand greater permanent deployment of our military force in Europe, a much greater cost than the support we have provided to Ukraine,” he said at the University of Louisville alongside Ukraine’s ambassador, Oksana Markarova. “And, of course, Russian victory would embolden Putin’s growing alliance with fellow authoritarian regimes in Iran and China.”

“So this is not just a test for Ukraine,” McConnell said. “It’s a test for the United States and the free world.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2025

Experience the Magic: 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Unveiled

New York City is bustling with holiday cheer as the Rockefeller Center…
Luigi Mangione battles to block key evidence a year after CEO assassination — experts say it’s a long shot

Luigi Mangione Fights to Exclude Crucial Evidence in CEO Murder Case—Experts Doubt Success

Luigi Mangione 911 call played in court A courtroom in Manhattan recently…
Jets QB Tyrod Taylor is staying in the moment, not thinking about the future

Jets QB Tyrod Taylor Focuses on Present, Keeps Future Plans on Hold

As an NFL veteran of 15 years, contemplating life beyond the gridiron…
Harvard professor detained by ICE after Boston synagogue shooting, agrees to voluntarily leave US

Harvard Professor’s Shocking ICE Detention: Voluntary Departure Follows Boston Synagogue Shooting

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Wednesday that Immigration and…
Chicago crime: Marquis Terry charged in kidnapping; alert issued for robberies in Little Village, Humboldt Park, Logan Square

Chicago Crime Update: Marquis Terry Faces Kidnapping Charges, Warning Issued for Little Village, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square Robberies

CHICAGO – Authorities have announced charges against a man in connection with…
Dolly Parton embarks on new venture for truckers and road trippers

Dolly Parton Launches Exciting New Initiative for Truckers and Road Trippers: A Game-Changer in Travel

Country music icon Dolly Parton is set to infuse her signature Southern…
Changing the narrative: Florida moms celebrate babies born with Down syndrome with Jack's Baskets

Florida Moms Redefine Joy: Celebrating Down Syndrome Births with Jack’s Baskets

Jack’s Basket, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to honoring the arrival of…
Arkansas county jail becomes major ICE pipeline as arrests surge under Trump crackdown

Arkansas County Jail Emerges as Key ICE Hub Amid Surge in Arrests During Trump Administration Crackdown

In a surprising turn of events, a county jail in Arkansas has…
Brian Walshe murder trial: Slain wife Ana's lover takes the stand

Explosive Testimony: Ana Walshe’s Lover Reveals Shocking Details in High-Profile Murder Trial

Ana Walshe’s romantic entanglement with William Fastow took center stage during Brian…
Climate Catastrophe Is Absent in West Virginia

Why West Virginia Remains Untouched by Climate Chaos: An In-Depth Exploration

West Virginia stands out as a state that largely dismisses the dramatic…
Omaha bystander flees gas station bathroom moments before armed man fires on officers

Omaha Hero Escapes Gas Station Restroom Before Armed Suspect Opens Fire on Police

An individual in Omaha, Nebraska, narrowly escaped danger by leaving a gas…
Loyola New Orleans TPUSA chapter denied again after 'absolutely appalling' student government meeting: student

Loyola New Orleans TPUSA Chapter Faces Rejection Following Contentious Student Government Meeting

The student government at Loyola University has once again rejected the bid…