House Passes Bill to Compel Biden to Deliver Aid to Israel in 224-187 Vote with 16 Democrats

May 16, 2024, 09:20 PM

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Israel Security Assistance Support Act (H.R. 8369), a Republican-led bill aimed at compelling President Biden to deliver withheld military aid to Israel. The bill, which passed with a 224-187 vote, including 16 Democratic votes in favor, seeks to counter Biden's decision to pause weapon shipments, including a recent hold on a shipment of large bombs. The legislation would mandate the expedited delivery of defense articles to Israel, reflecting strong bipartisan support for the U.S. ally amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas. However, the bill is unlikely to advance in the Senate, and President Biden has vowed to veto it. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans have criticized Biden's stance, accusing him of abandoning Israel and favoring Hamas and Iran. Democrats have expressed frustration with the timing and implications of the vote, highlighting divisions within the party over the administration's approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Biden administration is also reportedly moving ahead on a new $1 billion arms transfer to Israel. Senate Majority Leader Schumer has indicated he will not bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote.