Staff Reports
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) has expressed strong reservations about President Biden's $106 billion spending request for aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and border security. Turner predicts that getting this substantial bill passed before 2024 will be challenging, attributing the complexity to the White House's handling of the Southern border. Turner insists that significant policy changes, including potential alterations to existing laws, must precede congressional approval. The Biden administration's fluctuating border policies, coupled with concerns from Border Patrol officials about an "unprecedented" influx of migrants, contribute to the contentious atmosphere.
Despite Turner's skepticism, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is determined to push through the funding request, considering it one of the most crucial tasks. Schumer advocates for ensuring military capabilities for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, and he proposes additional humanitarian aid for innocent Palestinian civilians. Biden's spending request allocates $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel, $13.6 billion for border security, and substantial sums for Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific region, and humanitarian aid in Kyiv, Israel, and the Gaza Strip. Notably, an extra $100 million in humanitarian aid for the West Bank and Gaza has been approved by Biden.
House intel chair warns $106B security package ‘difficult’ to pass in 2023 https://t.co/0JdJRQkSqz pic.twitter.com/ea17nPo2Rh
— New York Post (@nypost) November 27, 2023
The legislative process encounters obstacles, with Schumer resisting a Senate vote on the already-approved $14.3 billion security aid for Israel. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) attempts to navigate the situation by dividing military assistance for Ukraine and Israel, as well as combining funding for the US border and Ukraine. The tension persists, exacerbated by Biden's celebration of the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, accompanied by additional American aid. Turner criticizes Biden for not prioritizing the release of Americans in the hostage deal, a sentiment echoed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
Schumer dismisses Republican efforts to complicate the process, attributing the challenges to partisan demands. Turner challenges Biden for prematurely claiming credit for a deal that remains uncertain. The situation intensifies as conservative US faith leaders and groups demand swift legislation for funding Israel's defenses. Meanwhile, Qatar's foreign minister announces a two-day extension in the fighting pause, prompting concerns from Turner about the fate of American hostages. The showdown continues with unresolved issues, and the evolving dynamics promise further developments in this complex scenario. Stay tuned for updates.
