Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — In his first major move, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is using the bipartisan goal of providing aid to Israel to pick a fight with President Joe Biden over his signature achievement.

A new bill released Monday by House Republicans includes $14.3 billion in emergency funding for Israel, paid for by rescinding the same amount of IRS funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, a major climate, health care and tax law signed by Biden last year.

The new GOP bill is slated for consideration by the Rules Committee when the House returns on Wednesday, with a vote in the full chamber expected as early as this week.

If the bill passes the GOP-controlled House, the IRS provisions are all but guaranteed to be rejected by the Democratic-led Senate and White House, setting up a clash over how to approve Israel aid. It represents an early test for Johnson on navigating the demands of Republican hardliners with the realities of divided government.

Johnson defended his move to slash IRS funding in “the first draft of this bill” to grant new Israel aid, even if it alienates Democrats.

“I understand their priority is to bulk up the IRS, but I think if you put this to the American people and they weigh the two needs, I think they’re going to say standing with Israel and protecting the innocent over there is in our national interest and is a more immediate need than IRS agents,” Johnson told Fox News.

Democrats quickly blasted the move, accusing Johnson of politicizing the cause of protecting Israel.

“Support for defending Israel should not come with conditions, be it cutting foreign military financing by 30% or offsetting aid in a time of crucial need. I am deeply disturbed by Speaker Johnson playing political games with Israeli emergency funding, something our nation has never done in a time of crisis,” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., said in a statement. “Speaker Johnson’s political games are offensive to all pro-Israel Americans, and I hope he reverses course immediately.”

Biden and Democrats approved the Inflation Reduction Act on a party-line vote in 2022, with the goal of beefing up investments in clean energy and health care, paid for by higher taxes on corporations. The IRS funds total about $80 billion, which the administration has said it will use to enhance customer service and go after wealthy tax evaders. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has projected that the funds will “increase revenues by approximately $200 billion” over a decade.

“This isn’t an offset, it’s exploiting a war to pass a tax cut for the rich,” Aaron Fritschner, deputy chief of staff for Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., said on X.

The White House and Treasury Department didn’t immediately return requests for comment on Monday.

Johnson is also dealing with Republicans who demand that domestic spending be cut if the U.S. sends aid to Israel.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said Monday in a radio appearance that the aid “should be paid for, and it should be paid for with real money, not budgetary gimmicks.”

“So I’m going to stand up on that wall and if you see in the end having to vote against Israel funding, just make sure you heard it here first,” he told “Hill Country Patriot” of Kerrville, Texas. “I support Israel but I am not going to continue to go down this road where we bankrupt our country and undermine our very ability to defend ourselves, much less our allies, by continuing to write blank checks.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
David Peterson bounces back to lead Mets in series win over Brewers

David Peterson Shines as Mets Secure Series Victory Against Brewers

A good start can do a lot. It can provide cover for…
Northeast Florida law enforcement's three-day sting nets 33 arrests

Three-day sting operation in Northeast Florida leads to 33 arrests

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has named their recent operation ‘Operation…
Why it would be tough for Mets, others to acquire Brewers veteran

Why Acquiring Brewers Veteran Might Be Challenging for the Mets and Others

The Mets are in need of an additional starting pitcher, along with…
Photo of Marissa DiNapoli with balloons and a birthday cake.

Body Found in Search for Marissa DiNapoli, Days After She Left Home with a Man

COPS searching for a missing woman have reportedly found a body –…
Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom split months ago, Bloom was flirty

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom End Relationship Months Ago Amid Reports of Bloom’s Flirtatious Behavior

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom secretly parted ways earlier this year —…
Fruit salad with blueberries, kiwi, banana, and strawberries.

The FDA Issues Urgent Recall on Tainted Fruit Due to Severe Health Risks, Including Miscarriage and Death

HUNDREDS of boxes of a popular fruit are being recalled after it’s…
Rep. Eugene Vindman is 'furious' about US pause on weapons to Ukraine

Rep. Eugene Vindman ‘outraged’ by U.S. decision to halt arms to Ukraine

Democratic Rep. Eugene Vindman said he is “furious” that the Pentagon has…
Homes in Crete burning in a wildfire at night.

Huge Blaze Engulfs Popular Greek Tourist Destination Crete, Forcing 1,500 to Flee Hotels and Homes

RAGING wildfires have spread across a Greek holiday hotspot with 1,500 people…
North Korea lashes out after Trump DOJ exposes massive IT infiltration scheme

North Korea Reacts Angrily After Trump Administration Reveals Large-Scale IT Hacking Plot

North Korean representatives criticized the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) by describing…
Father leaps into ocean after daughter falls from Disney cruise ship deck: reports

Father Heroically Rescues Daughter After She Falls Through Porthole on Disney Cruise: A 20-Minute Struggle at Sea

A dramatic ocean rescue occurred when a father jumped to save his…
California's largest blaze explodes in size as dry, hot weather raises wildfire risk statewide

California’s Biggest Fire Grows Rapidly Due to Dry, Hot Weather Increasing Wildfire Threats Across the State

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A wildfire erupted in a wilderness region of…
Aerial illustration of Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, the world's largest airport on an artificial island.

Massive Manmade Island Airport Equivalent to a Town Under Construction; Large Enough to Serve Every Brit

CHINA is steaming ahead with building the world’s largest man-made island airport.…