WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House passage of a $95 billion foreign aid package—including $26 billion for Israel—caps a months-long battle over foreign aid.
What You Need To Know
- After months of delay, the House passed a foreign aid package that includes $26 billion for Israel
- Rep. Max Miller, one of two Jewish Republicans in Congress, was one of the bill's most vocal advocates
- The Senate began consideration of the foreign aid package on Tuesday
Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, is one of two Jewish Republicans in the House. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, he has been one of the most vocal Republicans calling to pass aid for Israel.
In early November, Miller was among one of the first House delegations to visit Israel, where the group spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After that trip, Miller said he was more determined to send Israel additional funds.
At times, Miller’s aid push has put him at odds with some of his fellow Republicans because aid for Israel was originally packaged with aid for Ukraine, an issue that divides the conference.
Miller said members of his family were murdered in the Holocaust and that could have potentially been avoided if the U.S. had intervened earlier in WWII. He applied the same logic to the current wars in Ukraine and Israel.
“These people are isolationists,” Miller said, referring to Republicans who oppose sending more Ukraine aid. “I believe if you’re an isolationist, you’re going to invite more aggression… History has told us that when our country is strong and our allies are strong that we bring stability to the world.”
The House ultimately held separate votes on Israel and Ukraine funding.
The Israel measure passed 366-58 with strong bipartisan support. It incudes $26 billion for Israel, including $9.1 billion for humanitarian needs.
Only one Ohio House member, Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, voted against the Israel aid bill. Davidson said he still supported Israel, writing in a statement:
“Most troubling is the $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza, which we know will fund Hamas terrorists. It is a betrayal to our most important ally, Israel, as well as to the American people.”
In addition to supporting Israel, Miller said he wanted to take steps to protect American Jews. Antisemitic incidents rose 360% in the three months after Hamas’ attack, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
“If you have a problem with Israel, then have a problem with Israeli policy, but don’t make yourself part of this Hamas rhetoric,” Miller said.
The Senate began consideration of the foreign aid package on Tuesday, putting the bill on track to be signed by President Joe Biden by the end of the week.