The White House pushed back on a GOP-led bill on Monday, which would force the Biden administration to send critical defense aid to Israel amid its war with Hamas.
The House bill, introduced last week, is expected to be voted on this week, and compels the administration to deliver defense articles and services to Israel. It would also withhold funds from the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and the National Security Council until the defense articles are delivered, according to a House appropriations press release.
The proposed bill comes after the United States suspended the shipments of roughly 3,500 bombs for Israel last week, in response to its invasion of Rafah.
“We strongly, strongly oppose attempts to constrain the president’s ability to deploy U.S. security assistance consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives,” White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre said at a press briefing. “It is our objective, as well, that we plan to spend every last cent appropriated consistent with legal obligations, including in the recent … national security supplemental that was just passed."
The administration's decision to withhold the bombs has been met with backlash from both parties, including articles of impeachment introduced by Florida GOP Rep. Cory Mills on Friday.
The impeachment articles come after Democrats set a precedent in 2019 over their impeachment of former President Donald Trump, who was impeached for withholding aid to Ukraine.
The new bill also condemns the Biden administration's decision to pause the bomb shipment, and reaffirms Israel's right to self defense. It also requires the executive branch to file a report on the actions it has taken to withhold security assistance.
Related Story: Cory Mills Draws Up Articles of Impeachment Against Joe Biden Over Delayed Israel Aid
