House Republicans have proposed a plan to fund emergency aid for Israel’s conflict with Hamas by cutting funds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The legislation calls for approximately $14 billion in military aid to Israel while slashing a similar amount from the IRS budget. President Biden also supports providing aid to Israel, but his proposal does not include offsetting cuts to other parts of the budget. House Speaker Mike Johnson has emphasized the need for spending reductions to avoid adding to the national debt. Furthermore, the GOP bill rejects Biden’s suggestion to bundle the Israel aid with $60 billion for Ukraine.
This proposal reflects the Republican Party’s ongoing attempt to reverse the expansion of the IRS that President Biden achieved earlier this year. Republicans are determined to reduce the agency’s funding, which was increased by $80 billion to enhance taxpayer services and increase enforcement against wealthy tax evaders. While approximately $20 billion of this increase was repealed in a previous debt ceiling deal, the GOP is now pushing for further reductions. Conservatives view this as an opportunity to force the administration to concede on IRS funding for other priorities.
However, the House GOP’s bill is expected to face significant opposition. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated that Democrats will oppose it, and the White House is also anticipated to reject the proposal. Consequently, the plan to cut IRS funds to provide aid for Israel is likely to spark a heated political battle.
In summary, House Republicans have put forward a proposal to finance emergency aid for Israel by slashing funds from the IRS. The legislation aims to allocate around $14 billion in military assistance to Israel while cutting a comparable amount from the IRS budget. This plan contradicts President Biden’s proposal, which did not involve offsetting budget cuts. Republicans are determined to reduce the IRS’s funding and view the debt ceiling deal as evidence that the administration can be pressured to concede on this issue. Nonetheless, the GOP’s bill is expected to face strong opposition from Democrats and the White House.