Top House Democrats plan to oppose GOP legislation compelling the delivery to Israel of defense equipment already approved by Congress — and are actively urging a no vote in their caucus, teeing up a fight over an issue deeply dividing the party. Democrats are rallying to oppose a House Republican effort, H.R. 8369 – Israel Security Assistance Support Act, meant to expose their divisions on Israel as the party moves to align with President Joe Biden, who has threatened to veto the measure, and their own leaders who are whipping against it. The Democrats speaking out say they are weary of Republicans using Israel as a political cudgel, vowing to oppose a measure that aims to force the delivery of certain arms to Israel that Biden is withholding. The vote is currently scheduled for 4:45 P.M., but could face a delay as at least nine hardline conservatives return to Washington after attending former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial in Manhattan. With Democrats lining up against the bill and Republicans grappling with a razor-thin majority, GOP leaders will need most of their members in town to ensure the proposal passes. While overwhelming Democratic opposition will deprive Republicans of their goal of splitting the caucus, it is all but certain to fuel GOP claims that Democrats and Biden are turning their backs on Israel in its time of need.
For today, the Senate convened at 10:00 A.M. and resumed consideration of a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 (H.J.Res. 109).
The House met at 12:00 P.M. for legislative business and is expected to consider the following legislation pursuant to a Rule: H.R. 8369 – Israel Security Assistance Support Act, H.R. 354 – LEOSA Reform Act and H.R. 8146 – Police Our Border Act.
