Debate over foreign aid money continues
The debate over where to put foreign aid to Israel in the US budget continues. Since Cantor floated this new idea, it was supported by few (candidate Pat Toomey of PA) and attacked by many. Like AJC's David Harris: Cantor is not the only Republican in this election cycle advocating this change. Conservative former Rep. Pat Toomey, running for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, has similarly urged this separation of aid to Israel from the foreign aid budget on the campaign trail. Toomey and Cantor perhaps are just taking note of the obvious -- that passing a foreign operations bill in a future GOP Congress will be exceedingly difficult, thus threatening aid to Israel.Hmmm.
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I have little to add to all this, because at this stage it's pretty clear to me that this balloon will never fly. However, in a short interview I did with Rep. Mark Kirk - the prospective new IL Senator - I asked him about Cantor's suggestion. His negative response is interesting for two reasons: 1. Kirk (Lowey too) is considered to be one of Israel's best friends in Congress. 2. Kirk is a fellow Republican - and not a Democrat refuting the idea.
Here's what Rep. Kirk told me, when I asked him if he supports the idea: No, I don't think we should do it. The way the foreign bill is constructed is good, and should not be changed. Changes like the one suggested by Rep. Cantor is something we should be very cautious about.
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 6:23 AM
1 Comments:
I agree with Cantor. Israel should agree to the move and moreover terminate all US military assistance in five years.
There is no need to be dependent on the US when faced with a hostile Administration being around until 2017 and it is high time Israel took care of its own defense needs.
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