The Blubber

House GOP unveils $14.3 billion Israel aid bill that would cut funding to IRS, per CBS.

On Monday, House GOP unveiled a standalone bill with a price tag of $14.3 billion, aiming to fund assistance for Israel by reducing an equivalent amount of funding allocated to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. This move is part of an effort to ensure there are offsets to cover the costs instead of simply printing more money for overseas aid, as explained by House Speaker Mike Johnson during an interview with Fox News.

This Republican bill sets the stage for a contentious debate over support for Israel, with President Biden and Senate Democrats seeking to combine aid for Israel with significant financial support for Ukraine. Some House Republicans are opposed to this approach. Two weeks ago, the White House requested a $105 billion aid package, which included $14 billion for Israel and $61 billion for Ukraine.

Although Johnson recognizes that the cuts to IRS funding will be unpopular among Democrats, he plans to engage in a direct and thoughtful conversation with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Johnson stressed that when weighing the two needs, the American people might prioritize standing with Israel and protecting those in harm's way, deeming it more urgent than increasing the number of IRS agents.

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in 2022 and included substantial funding for Democratic priorities related to climate change, healthcare costs, and taxes. It also allocated an additional $80 billion to the IRS to hire more agents and modernize its outdated technological infrastructure. These upgrades were considered long overdue and would enhance the IRS's efficiency in processing tax returns, though they faced strong opposition from Republican lawmakers.

Regarding aid for Ukraine, Johnson emphasized the need for more accountability regarding the substantial funds spent by the U.S. to assist in repelling Russia's invasion. He specifically requested detailed information from the White House on how the money is allocated and the desired outcome in the ongoing conflict.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described the bill as a "nonstarter" and expressed concern about the precedent it would set, which could raise questions about the United States' commitment to one of its closest allies. She stressed that demanding offsets for critical national security needs, such as supporting Israel and defending Ukraine from aggression and Russian imperialism, could have long-term repercussions on safety and alliances.