US unveils foreign aid bill texts for Ukraine, 'Israel', and Taiwan

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 Apr 2024 22:58
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As outlined in a summary provided by the US House Appropriations Committee, the proposed bills allocate significant funding for various foreign aid initiatives.

Illustrative: US House of Representatives (AP)

The US House of Representatives unveiled bill texts on Wednesday containing provisions for aid to Ukraine, "Israel", and Taiwan, scheduled for votes on Saturday.

As outlined in a summary provided by the US House Appropriations Committee, the proposed bills allocate significant funding for various foreign aid initiatives. Specifically, $60.84 billion is earmarked for Ukraine-related funding, aimed at supporting the nation amid ongoing challenges, as per the summary.

Additionally, the summary added that $26.38 billion are designated for "Israel"-related funding, aimed at bolstering its security and stability. Furthermore, it stressed that $8.12 billion are allocated for initiatives aimed at countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

In further detail, the Ukraine aid bill introduced in the US House of Representatives mandates President Joe Biden to swiftly provide long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukrainian forces.

"As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall transfer long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems to the Government of Ukraine in defending itself and achieving victory against the Russian Federation," the bill text said.

"Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall enter into an arrangement with the Government of Ukraine relating to the repayment by Ukraine to the United States of economic assistance provided to Ukraine by the United States," it added.

It is worth noting that the Ukraine aid bill includes a provision that bars the US president from canceling Ukraine's debt before November 15, 2024, but permits the cancellation of 50% of the debt thereafter, as outlined in the proposed legislation.

US House Bill restricts funding for UNRWA in 'Israel' aid package

The "Israel" aid bill incorporates a clause that prohibits funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Following baseless Israeli allegations that about a dozen UNRWA employees participated in Operation al-Aqsa Flood last January, several countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany, and Japan, suspended funding to the agency. The total frozen funds amount to $450 million, which is more than half of the funds UNRWA received in 2023.

The United Nations fired the employees accused by "Israel" and has begun an internal probe. But Philipe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, has reiterated that "Israel" provided no evidence against the accused agency employees.

On March 4, "Israel's" ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, claimed that UNRWA's work in Gaza was over, calling for the defunding and dismantling of the organization.

UNRWA employs around 30,000 people in the occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, with about 13,000 staff in the Gaza Strip.

The European Commission, recognizing steps taken by the UN, said on March 1 that it would release 50 million euros ($54 million) in UNRWA funding.

The "Israel" aid bill, introduced in the US House of Representatives, also allocates $4 billion to replenish the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile systems, as outlined in a summary by the US House Appropriations Committee released on Wednesday. Additionally, the bill earmarks $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam system and $3.5 billion for the acquisition of advanced weapons systems and defense articles.

Saturday's votes are likely to be controversial and face more disagreement among lawmakers, as there remains a significant schism between Democrats and Republicans which has been ongoing for the past few months.