House Democrats vehemently oppose a Republican package that combines Israel aid with cuts to IRS funding. This sets the stage for a partisan clash over an issue typically supported by both parties.
During a closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill, House Democratic leaders urged members to vote against the package due to the IRS cuts and the absence of additional funding for Ukraine and humanitarian aid for Gaza.
This message resonates with the diverse Democratic Caucus, as virtually all members, including staunch allies of Israel, plan to oppose the proposal.
“I’m a hot no,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (Ill.), a prominent Jewish Democrat. “It’s an attempt at a ‘gotcha’ moment, suggesting that if you vote against it, you’re not for Israel, which is absolutely ridiculous.”
Rep. Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.), the senior Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, echoed this sentiment during the caucus meeting. He warned that requiring offsets for emergency aid could set a dangerous precedent, hindering Congress’s ability to help allies during crises. He also noted that tapping into IRS funds would further increase the federal debt.
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“My message to the caucus is: If you’re pro-Israel, you’re voting no,” said Meeks. “Republicans are using this for political gain. We’ve never conditioned aid to Israel or our national security, and now they’re conditioning it while also increasing the deficit.”
However, not all Democrats are expected to vote against the legislation. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), for example, criticized GOP leaders for their “outrageous” proposal but plans to vote yes to show solidarity with Israel.
Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), another vocal Israel supporter, is also undecided on whether to back the bill despite his opposition to the Republican tactics. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), a prominent Jewish lawmaker, declined to state her position.
Nevertheless, most Democrats have made it clear that they intend to oppose the bill while emphasizing their support for Israel following last month’s attacks by Hamas.
“I’m not saying I would vote no on any bill that isn’t perfect. But offsetting aid to Israel during an emergency is highly divisive,” said Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), who plans to vote against the bill. “Israel has always had bipartisan support, and Mike Johnson is causing incredible harm to Israel through this partisan ploy.”
Johnson (R-La.), the newly installed House Speaker, defended his strategy, stating that cutting IRS funding aligns with public sentiment. He expressed willingness to debate anyone who argues that hiring more IRS agents is more important than standing with Israel.
“I attached it because we’re trying to get back to the principle of fiscal responsibility, and that was the easiest and largest source of funds available to fulfill this immediate obligation,” Johnson explained.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the IRS cuts would increase deficit spending by over $12 billion by limiting the agency’s ability to pursue tax dodgers.
The $14.3 billion Israel package is expected to pass through the Republican-controlled House despite Democratic criticism. However, Democrats who hold the majority in the Senate and the White House also oppose the bill, with President Biden vowing to veto it if it reaches his desk. Biden has proposed a larger emergency package that includes aid for Israel, Ukraine, humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, and Taiwan, among other provisions—a strategy supported by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is also opposed to the House blueprint. He wants aid for Israel and Ukraine to be combined.
As a result of these divisions, the fate of Israel’s funding remains uncertain, even a month after the deadly attacks by Hamas and Israel’s retaliatory strikes.
On Wednesday, Johnson met with GOP senators to urge them to support his strategy of separating Israel aid from Ukraine funding and other emergency efforts. He warned that a larger package would not gain the support of House conservatives.
Mychael Schnell contributed to this report.
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