Iowa members help push through House Israel aid bill with dim future in Senate

Iowa’s all-Republican U.S. House delegation voted Thursday to approve legislation that pairs sending $14.3 billion in aid to Israel with corresponding cuts in funding to the IRS that was enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act — the climate, health care and tax package pushed by President Joe Biden and passed by Democrats last year.

An analysis by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office states the IRS cuts would lead to an estimated $26.8 billion decline in revenue and add to the deficit, contradicting the stated goal of offsetting aid to Israel.

The move would reduce the IRS’ ability to audit high-income earners and tax evaders, costing taxpayers, the office projected.

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“Hamas’s terrorist attacks on Israel are horrific — over 1,000 Israelis were slaughtered, 30 Americans were murdered, and more are still being held hostage,” Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, of Marion, said in a statement of support of the bill.

The legislation reallocates unused IRS funds to help Israel restock its Iron Dome missile-defense system and develop its experimental air-defense system known as the Iron Beam that uses laser technology to strike down drones and rockets.

Hinson, in her statement, said the House package funds the weapons and technology “necessary for Israel to not only defend itself from the current terrorist siege, but to eradicate Hamas for good.”

“These evil terrorists deserve no mercy and must be brought to their knees,” she said. “ … In addition to military support, it is vital the Biden Administration bring every American held hostage by Hamas home immediately and return to maximum pressure sanctions against Iran. I will continue to stand with Israel.”

Biden last month requested $106 billion in emergency foreign aid and national security funding that combines aid to Ukraine and Israel, along with funding for border security and for Taiwan to counter Chinese influence in the Pacific.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the Democratic-controlled chamber won’t take up the just-passed House bill, and President Biden has threatened to veto that legislation.

Hinson was asked Friday on a conference call with reporters how she would vote should the Senate send the House back a package that includes funding for Ukraine, Israel and border security. She reiterated her positions that issues should be voted on separately.

“My preference on Ukraine funding specifically, I think that there needs to be increased oversight and accountability for any additional aid,” Hinson said. “ … And I also want to see a concrete strategy from the administration on the purpose of any additional funding” to ensure it’s going where needed and that U.S. partners in Europe “are doing their part to step up to the plate to promote peace in the region as well.”

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