US House passed $26.4bn to fund Israeli genocide, $61bn to Ukraine war

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 Apr 2024 21:17
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The US House passes a storm of bills including a military funding to the Israeli occupation as the genocide in Gaza continues.

A view of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on April 20, 2024 (AFP)

The US House of Representatives passed a series of pivotal policy bills on Saturday that would see $95 billion in foreign war and military funds, a potential ban on TikTok in the country, the seizure of frozen Russian sovereign assets, and new sanctions on Iran.

The Israel Security Supplemental was approved with an overwhelming vote of 366-58.

This bill includes a prohibition on sending funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency UNRWA as the genocide in Gaza nears its 7-month mark.

The funding package allocates $26.4 billion in aid to the occupation entity, $4 billion for the Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defense systems, and $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system. Additionally, $4.4 billion is allocated to replenish military items and services provided to "Israel," while $3.5 billion is earmarked for the procurement of advanced weapons systems and other items through the Foreign Military Financing Program.

Furthermore, it includes $9.2 billion in public assistance, including emergency food, shelter, and basic services, to populations experiencing crises. It also provides additional flexibility for transfers of military hardware to "Israel" from US stockpiles held in other countries.

China, Russia and Iran

The 21st Century Peace through Strength Act bill was passed with a bipartisan vote of 360-58.

It includes sanctions on ports and refineries that receive and process Iranian oil, sanctions on any party involved in supplying or selling Iran equipment related to its missile and drone program, in addition to further restrictions on exports of US-made goods and technology to the Islamic Republic.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the executive branch to seize and transfer frozen Russian assets currently held in the United States to Kiev.

TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance was given 9 months to sell the social media company or it would be banned from US app stores.

Indo-Pacific region

The House also passed the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental bill with a strong majority vote of 385-34, with one present vote from Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib.

The legislation allocates $8.1 billion to counter China's actions in the Indo-Pacific region, with another $3.3 billion for submarine infrastructure. It also includes $2 billion in foreign military funding for Taiwan and other key regional partners, as well as $1.9 billion to replace military equipment and services for the island and allies in the region.

Ukraine

After months of political deadlock, the House of Representatives passed the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act with a vote of 311-112, with GOP Rep. Dan Meuser abstaining.

The $95 billion package includes a significant $61 billion in military aid for Ukraine and other US regional allies. Of this total, around $23 billion is earmarked for restocking US weapons, supplies, and facilities. Additionally, over $11 billion is designated to support ongoing US military operations in the area.

A significant portion of the package, nearly $14 billion, is allocated to assist Ukraine in acquiring advanced weapons systems and other defense equipment.