House Democrats are lining up in overwhelming opposition to a Republican package combining Israel aid with cuts to IRS funding, setting the stage for a partisan clash over an issue that has typically enjoyed broad support from both parties. At a closed-door meeting in the Capitol Thursday morning, House Democratic leaders urged their members to oppose the package when it hits the floor later today, citing not only the IRS cuts, but also the absence of additional funding for Ukraine and humanitarian aid for Gaza. The misguided Republican bill was further called into question this week by the Congressional Budget Office which estimated that the IRS cuts, by eroding the agency’s powers to pursue tax evaders, would add more than $12 billion to deficit spending, exactly the opposite of Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-Louisiana) stated goal of reducing the federal deficit. The $14.3 billion Israel package is expected to pass through the Republican House despite the Democrats’ criticisms. Yet the opposition is shared by Democrats in the Senate where Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) has called it a “joke” and “stunningly unserious.” The White House and President Joe Biden have already vowed to veto the House measure in the unlikely event that it reaches his desk.
In addition to H.R. 6126 – Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, the House is also expected to consider H.R. 4821 – Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 and H.R. 4820 – Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024.
In the Senate last night, Republican Senator Dan Sullivan (Alaska) was joined by his GOP colleagues Joni Ernst of Iowa, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Todd Young of Indiana and Mitt Romney of Utah in the chamber in an attempt to pass 115 top military nominees delayed by fellow Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (Alabama) hold on military promotions over Pentagon abortion policy. Over the course of more than four hours, the Republican senators read out nominees’ resumes and argued that Tuberville’s hold harms military readiness, punishes the officers who are not responsible for the Pentagon’s policy and sets a dangerous precedent in the US Senate – forcing the Alabama Republican to individually object to 61 nominations. Tuberville has refused to drop his holds, which he began in February, until the Pentagon reverses its policy of providing paid leave and travel cost reimbursement for servicemembers who cross state lines for an abortion. He has also pinned the blame on Senate Majority Leader Schumer for not bringing the vote on each nominee individually. This morning, the Senate was able to almost unanimously (95-1) confirm Admiral Lisa Franchetti to be chief of naval operations, the first in a series of votes aimed at filling crucial positions to lead the Navy, Air Force and Marines. Later today, the Senate is also slated to vote on General David Allvin for Air Force chief of staff and Lt. General Christopher Mahoney to be the assistant commandant of the Marines.
