The Biden administration signalled its intent to veto a standalone aid bill for Israel proposed by House Republicans. The move came amidst a broader legislative battle over emergency funding for Ukraine, Israel, and border security.
The Office of Management and Budget issued a statement on Monday, denouncing the standalone bill as a "political ploy" and urging Congress to pass the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act instead. This act, valued at $118 billion, combines aid for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region with measures aimed at bolstering US border security.
The proposed legislation includes $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, $14.1 billion for Israel's efforts in Gaza, and approximately $20 billion for new enforcement measures along the US-Mexico border. However, Republican leaders in the House voiced opposition to the bipartisan bill, preferring to focus solely on aid for Israel.
Former President Donald Trump criticized the bipartisan bill, characterizing it as insufficient and accusing Democrats of exploiting the border issue for political gain. Despite some Senate Republicans expressing support for aspects of the bill, doubts lingered about its passage, with a private Republican meeting convened to discuss the matter.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the urgency of the situation, framing the upcoming vote as a pivotal moment in history. He called on colleagues to "tune out the political noise" and support the legislation, highlighting the need to provide aid to Ukraine amid escalating tensions.
Schumer's efforts to garner bipartisan support were met with skepticism, particularly from House Republicans who objected to provisions in the bill related to asylum policy. They argued that the proposed changes would endorse a "catch and release" policy and criticized the bill for granting work authorizations to asylum seekers.
The proposed legislation aims to streamline the asylum process, with tighter standards for initial interviews and expedited decisions on asylum claims. However, House Republican leaders dismissed the bill in its current form as a "waste of time," signaling further challenges in reaching a consensus.
The funding impasse has had real-world consequences, with the Department of Defense halting shipments of ammunition and missiles to Ukraine due to the lack of approved funding. Despite bipartisan recognition of the urgency of providing aid to Ukraine, partisan divisions over border security and asylum policy have complicated efforts to pass the emergency appropriations bill.