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☆ Saying 'China Is Watching,' US Spy Chiefs Plead for Ukraine Aid
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( March | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Patricia Zengerle and Michael MartinaWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Leaders of U.S. intelligence agencies urgently pressed members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday to approve additional military assistance for Ukraine, saying it would not only boost Kyiv as it fights Russia but discourage Chinese aggression. "That has consequences for American interests that go ... directly to our interests in the Indo-Pacific," CIA Director William Burns told the House of Representatives' Intelligence committee's annual hearing on Worldwide Threats to U.S. security. The Latest Photos From Ukraine View All 96 ImagesThe measure has passed the Democratic-run Senate, and both Republicans and Democrats in the House say it would pass if the chamber's Republican leaders allowed a vote. Photos You Should See View All 60 ImagesRepresentative Mike Turner, chairman of the House intelligence committee, noted that some members of Congress support aid to Ukraine but "I believe, mistakenly," contend that Kyiv can afford a delay. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Michael Martina; Editing by Daniel Wallis)

Persons: Patricia Zengerle, Michael Martina WASHINGTON, William Burns, Burns, Mike Johnson, Donald Trump, Mike Turner, Michael Martina, Daniel Wallis Organizations: CIA, Representatives, stoke, Republican, Russian, Democratic, Republicans, Democrats Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Gaza, Pacific

☆ Eyeing China, Senior US Lawmaker Vows to Back Funding for Pacific Islands
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

The Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau agreed to new 20-year funding programs with the United States last year under which Washington provides economic assistance, while gaining exclusive military access to strategic swaths of the Pacific that China covets. McCaul said he has advocated for a $900 million package for COFA, but was open to other numbers. The U.S. Senate this week passed a $95 billion foreign aid supplemental spending bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan that did not include the COFA funding. McCaul said he would work to ensure the money was included in whatever is voted on in the House, likely in mid-March. We're not just going to rubber-stamp the Senate supplemental," he said.

Persons: Michael McCaul, McCaul, Patricia Zengerle, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: WASHINGTON, Republican, U.S . House, Representatives Foreign, U.S, Christian Science Monitor, Federated, United, Washington, Free Association, Senate Locations: Pacific, China, Federated States, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, United States, Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan

☆ US Senate to Vote on $95 Billion Ukraine, Israel Aid Bill After Failed Border Deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +4 min

By Patricia ZengerleWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate was due to vote on Thursday on a $95.34 billion bill that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific, after Republicans blocked compromise legislation that also included a long-sought overhaul of immigration policy. The security aid bill includes $61 billion for Ukraine as it battles a Russian invasion, $14 billion for Israel in its war against Hamas and $4.83 billion to support partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan, and deter aggression by China. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on social media that Republican senators should be ashamed for blocking the Ukraine aid package, saying former President Ronald Reagan would be "turning in his grave." Senator Chris Murphy, one of the three negotiators on the border deal, told Reuters the biggest potential risk to the Ukraine bill would be opposition by Trump. "Once he got loud on the immigration bill, the thing fell apart ... if he turns his flamethrower on Ukraine, I wonder how it survives," Murphy said in an interview on Wednesday.

Persons: Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Chuck Schumer, Schumer, Volodymyr Zelenskiy's, Vladimir Putin, Donald Tusk, Ronald Reagan, Putin, Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, Mike Johnson, Trump, Joe Biden, Chris Murphy, Murphy, Patricia Zengerle, Richard Cowan, Scott Malone, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: U.S, Senate, Republicans, Democratic, Israel, Hamas, House Republicans, Polish, Republican, Democratic U.S, Reuters, Trump Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, China, Gaza, Washington, Russia, United States

☆ Biden Threatens Veto of U.S. House's Standalone Israel Aid Bill
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

By Patricia Zengerle(Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden's admninistration said on Monday he would veto a standalone bill backed by House of Representatives Republicans that would provide aid to Israel, as it backs a broader bill providing assistance to Ukraine and Israel and providing new funds for border security. Officials from the Democratic president's administration have been working for months with Senate Democrats and Republicans on legislation unveiled on Sunday combining billions of dollars in emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, with an overhaul of U.S. immigration policy. Republican House leaders said days before its release on Sunday night that they would reject the bipartisan Senate bill, and instead vote on a bill proiding aid only to Israel. War in Israel and Gaza View All 194 ImagesThe Republican-majority House passed an Israel-only bill in November, but it was never taken up in the Democratic-led Senate, as members worked on Biden's request for Congress to approve the broader emergency security package. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Eric Beech and Costas Pitas; Editing by Stephen Coates)

Persons: Patricia Zengerle, Joe Biden's admninistration, Eric Beech, Costas Pitas, Stephen Coates Organizations: Republicans, Emergency National Security, Management, Democratic, Democrats, Republican Locations: Israel, Ukraine, Gaza

☆ US House Panel Recommends $17.6 Billion in Military Aid for Israel
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-03 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Richard CowanWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Legislation providing $17.6 billion in new military assistance to Israel as it wages war against Hamas was unveiled on Saturday in the U.S. House of Representatives. The funding bill, offered by a House Appropriations panel, could come to a vote in the full House sometime next week, Speaker Mike Johnson said in a letter to members. The Republican-controlled House had previously approved $14.3 billion in new military aid to Israel, but with the requirement that it be paid for by clawing back a chunk of money already targeted for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. It was unclear whether far-right House members might balk at the funding for Israel without an equal amount of savings elsewhere in the budget. Before new military aid to Israel or Ukraine can be delivered, the House and Senate must pass the same bill before sending it to President Joe Biden, a Democrat, for signing into law.

Persons: Richard Cowan WASHINGTON, Mike Johnson, clawing, Chuck Schumer, Johnson, Joe Biden, Jason Lange, Richard Cowan, Patricia Zengerle, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Hamas, U.S . House, Representatives, Appropriations, Republican, U.S . Internal Revenue Service, Democratic, Ukraine, Israel, House Republicans, Democrat, Senate Locations: Israel, U.S, Russia, Gaza, Mexico, Ukraine, United States, Taiwan

☆ U.S. Lawmakers Arrive in Taiwan in Post-Election Show of Support
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

The two members of Congress plan to engage with senior officials and business leaders during their visit. Lai Ching-te from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the Jan. 13 presidential election and will take office on May 20. China views visits by U.S. officials to Taiwan as sending an encouraging signal to the pro-independence camp on the island. Taiwan's government says Beijing has no right to speak for the island's people or represent them on the world stage. The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, and a major arms supplier to Taipei.

Persons: Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Mario Diaz Balart, Ami Bera, Lai Ching, Lai, Patricia Zengerle, Sandra Maler Organizations: U.S . House, Representatives Taiwan Caucus, Republican, Democratic, Democratic Progressive Party, U.S Locations: Taipei, Taiwan, United States, China, Beijing

In truth, negotiators have been working for months and hope to release the text of a final bill as soon as this week. The National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, is one of the few major pieces of legislation Congress passes every year, a practice started in 1961. The Democratic-led Senate's version of the bill, which passed with broad support from both parties, did not address such issues. "The House bill includes several provisions to require accountability from this administration and to end the 'woke' policies being forced on service members by left-wing bureaucrats," Rogers said. Representative Adam Smith, the top House Armed Services Democrat, called for compromise, saying, "Threatening the ability of DoD to function as we force our way to get what we want is a dangerous game to play."

Persons: Leah Millis, Mike Rogers, Rogers, Adam Smith, Patricia Zengerle, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: U.S . Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, House Armed Services Committee, National Defense, Ukraine, Republican, Democratic, Republicans, Armed Services Democrat, DoD, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - U.S. budget wrangling could further delay funding approval for new agreements with Pacific island nations meant to counter Chinese influence, creating an opportunity for Beijing in the strategically vital region, congressional and other sources say. But congressional sources say this looks impossible as lawmakers argue over spending priorities, raising concerns that a further delay could create an opening for China, which has been wooing financially strapped Pacific economies. "It's feeling pretty dead in the NDAA context," the source said, adding that focus had turned to finding other legislation to secure the COFA funding. "It is really incomprehensible given the amount we're talking about ... why Congress cannot get its act together," Yun said. "What we risk is China getting in where we really don't want them – in places like Palau, RMI, FSM.

Persons: Mike Pompeo, Jonathan Ernst, Biden, Mike Johnson's, Joseph Yun, Yun, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina, Patricia Zengerle, Don Durfee, Daniel Wallis Organizations: U.S, Pohnpei International, REUTERS, Rights, Federated, Marshall, RMI, Washington, Free Association, National Defense, Reuters, Republicans, Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs, New Republican, Biden, State Department, White House National Security Council, Thomson Locations: Pohnpei, Kolonia, States, Micronesia, Pacific, Beijing, Federated States, Palau, China, Ukraine, U.S, Hawaii, Philippines, Washington

WASHINGTON, Nov 20 (Reuters) - A group of U.S. President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats urged him on Monday to encourage Israel to take immediate steps - including reopening a major border crossing - to help provide humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza. "Eliminating the threat posed by Hamas and protecting civilians are not mutually exclusive aims. Indeed, International Humanitarian Law requires that civilians be protected during armed conflict," a group of Democratic senators wrote in a letter to Biden. The letter was led by Senators Tammy Baldwin, Tim Kaine and Chris Van Hollen, and signed by at least eight other Senate Democrats. U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths last week implored Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing.

Persons: Joe Biden's, Biden, Tammy Baldwin, Tim Kaine, Chris Van Hollen, Martin Griffiths, Patricia Zengerle, Alistair Bell Organizations: Democratic, United Nations, Thomson Locations: Israel, Gaza

Opponents of the aid say U.S. taxpayer money should be spent at home, but majority of Republicans and Democrats in Congress still support aid to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's government. Assistance for Israel, which already receives $3.8 billion per year in U.S. security assistance, typically passes Congress with strong bipartisan support. "I know both sides genuinely care about approving aid to Israel and Ukraine and helping innocent civilians in Gaza. 'DANGEROUSLY BROKEN'Republicans said a security bill without border money was a non-starter. Congress has approved $113 billion for Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022.

Persons: Joe Biden, Volodymyr Zelenskiy's, Chuck Schumer, Lindsey Graham, Biden, Hakeem Jeffries, Patricia Zengerle, Richard Cowan, Doina Chiacu, Simon Lewis, Don Durfee, David Gregorio Our Organizations: U.S, Congress, Russia, Republican, Democratic, Democrats, Reuters, Hamas, Assistance, Israel, Republicans, Senate, MSNBC, Biden, State Department, Thomson Locations: Israel, Ukraine, Kyiv, Congress, Mexico, Gaza, United States

REUTERS/Cheriss May/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 15 (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers asked Apple Inc to explain the abrupt end of political comedian Jon Stewart's television show on its streaming service, according to a letter made public on Wednesday, citing concerns that content related to China was behind the cancellation. The New York Times reported last month that Stewart's show on Apple's streaming service was ending, the result of creative differences. The newspaper said Stewart told members of his staff that potential show topics related to China and artificial intelligence were causing concern to Apple executives. The letter asked representatives of Apple for a briefing on its concerns by Dec. 15, 2023. U.S. lawmakers have long expressed concerns about potential Chinese government censorship given the ruling Communist Party’s strict media controls.

Persons: Jon Stewart, Mark Twain, Cheriss, Jon Stewart's, Stewart, Tim Cook, Apple, Michael Gallagher, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, Patricia Zengerle, Stephen Coates Organizations: The Kennedy Center, REUTERS, Rights, Apple Inc, New York Times, Apple, Times, Republican, Democratic, Chinese Communist Party, CCP, Economic Cooperation, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, China, San Francisco, Asia, U.S

☆ Demonstrators in Washington back Israel, denounce antisemitism
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Jonathan Landay | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/4] Israeli Americans and supporters of Israel gather in solidarity with Israel and protest against antisemitism, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, during a rally on the National Mall in Washington, U.S, November 14, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington on Tuesday for a "March for Israel" to show solidarity with Israel in its war with Hamas and condemn rising antisemitism. We will fight for Israel. Underscoring support in the U.S. Congress for Israel, busloads of senators and members of the House of Representatives attended the pro-Israel rally. Those perpetrating the poison of antisemitism and bigotry around the world are trying to scare us," Schumer said.

Persons: Israel, Leah Millis, Marco Abbou, Israel —, ” Natan Sharansky, We'll, Sharansky, ”, Ariel Ben, Chitrit, Biden, busloads, Charles Schumer, Schumer, Erica Taxin, “ didn’t, Isaac Herzog, Herzog, Neturei, Jonathan Landay, Patricia Zengerle, Simon Lewis, Daphne Psaledakis, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Palestinian, Hamas, REUTERS, Rights, Israel, Jewish Agency, Soviet Union, U.S ., U.S, Congress, Representatives, Democratic, Authorities, Arms, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Israel, Washington , U.S, Washington, U.S, Hackensack , New Jersey, Gaza, United States, Soviet, rearm, Herndon , Virginia, Philadelphia, America

Democratic Senator Ben Cardin wrote to Biden to push for immediate freedom for Mark Swidan, Kai Li and David Lin, whom the U.S. government has classified as wrongfully detained in China. Families of Americans the U.S. government has classified as wrongfully detained in China have also repeatedly urged the government to prioritize the release of their loved ones in talks with Chinese officials. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns about her son Mark over the weekend, but called the conversation "disappointing" because Burns would not say whether Biden would raise Mark’s name with Xi. A State Department spokesperson commented that the department has no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens and noted that it continually raises wrongfully detained U.S. nationals during engagements with senior Chinese officials. Reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Michael Martina; Editing by Stephen CoatesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ben Cardin, Craig Hudson, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Biden, Mark Swidan, Kai Li, David Lin, Xi, Cardin, Katherine Swidan, China Nicholas Burns, Mark, Burns, Patricia Zengerle, Michael Martina, Stephen Coates Organizations: Senate Foreign, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . Senate Foreign, Reuters, Democratic, Economic Cooperation, State, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, China, Asia, San Francisco, United, United States, U.S

The Rules Committee voted 9-7 - along party lines - to send the resolution for a vote in the full Senate. The resolution would temporarily sidestep Tuberville's holds by allowing many promotions to be considered by the Senate simultaneously. Under Senate rules, one lawmaker can hold up nominations even if the other 99 all want them to move quickly. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, a member of the Rules Committee, said productive discussions with Tuberville about reaching a deal to ease his holds were under way. Just last week, the senator objected to quick approval of the promotions of 364 officers.

Persons: Tommy Tuberville, Jonathan Ernst, Tommy Tuberville's, Donald Trump, Roe, Wade, sidestep Tuberville's, Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer, Tuberville, Schumer, Patricia Zengerle, Jonathan Oatis, Bill Berkrot Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Democratic, Republican, Democrats, Pentagon, Senate, Marine Corps, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S

☆ Republicans demand Biden challenge China's Xi on fentanyl, prisoners
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Michael Martina | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The flags of the United States and China fly from a lamppost in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 1, 2021. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have offered sometimes different approaches for countering China's growing economic and military might despite bipartisan consensus on the need to do so. But they asked Biden to present Xi with a list of 10 demands to improve relations, much like Beijing did to U.S. officials in 2021. "It is clear that competitive actions have been sacrificed to advance aimless, zombie-like engagement," they said. Reporting by Michael Martina and Patricia Zengerle; editing by Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Brian Snyder, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Mike Gallagher, Biden, Mark Swidan, American Kai Li, David Lin, Michael Martina, Patricia Zengerle, Grant McCool Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, U.S, Beijing, Biden, Economic Cooperation, Republicans, Democrats, Treasury, Industrial, Thomson Locations: United States, China, Chinatown, Boston , Massachusetts, U.S, San Francisco, Asia, Beijing, Philippines, South China, South, Taiwan, China's Xinjiang, Texas, American

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) speaks with reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S. September 27, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 7 (Reuters) - U.S. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville said on Tuesday he would continue his blockade of hundreds of military promotions over the Defense Department's abortion policy, but was nearing some compromises including allowing promotions of essential nominees. Tuberville, a first-term senator closely aligned with former Republican President Donald Trump, has been blocking quick confirmation of high-level military promotions since February to protest the Pentagon's policy of covering travel costs for abortions for service members and their dependents. Tuberville said Republicans planned to meet again and consider options including unspecified lawsuits and overturning the Pentagon policy in a larger defense bill. Tuberville's blockade ended decades in which the Senate has routinely approved large numbers of military promotions at once.

Persons: Tommy Tuberville, Jonathan Ernst, Donald Trump, Tuberville, Joe Biden, Roe, Wade, Patricia Zengerle, Scott Malone, David Gregorio Our Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Republican, Defense, Democratic, Pentagon, Military, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S

Both Israel and Hamas have rebuffed mounting calls for a halt in fighting. Hamas says it will not free them nor stop fighting while Gaza is under assault. "We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. [1/8]Flares are dropped by Israeli forces, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza City November 6, 2023. Diplomats said a key obstacle is whether to call for a ceasefire, cessation of hostilities or humanitarian pauses to allow aid access in Gaza.

Persons: Netanyahu, Israel, Biden, White, Benjamin Netanyahu, we've, Joe Biden, It's, Human Rights Volker Turk, Adhanom, Martin Griffiths, Mohammed Al, Masri, Daniel Hagari, Hagari, U.N, General Antonio Guterres, Guterres, Robert Wood, we're, Joe Biden's, Nidal al, Emily Rose, Patricia Zengerle, Michelle Nichols, Daphne Psaledakis, Rami Ayyub, Cynthia Osterman, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: ABC News, ., Human Rights, Health Organization, Hamas, REUTERS, Israel Defense Forces, . Security, Diplomats, United Nations, U.S, U.S . Congress, Thomson Locations: White House, GAZA, JERUSALEM, Gaza, Israel, United States, Washington, Nations, Palestinian, Gaza City, Lebanon, Iran, Lebanese, Haifa

Republican Senator Roger Marshall said: "Time is of the essence and it's imperative that the Senate not delay delivering this crucial aid to Israel another day," he said. The House bill would provide $14.3 billion for Israel as it responds to a deadly Oct. 7 attack by Islamist Hamas militants, but also cut the same amount of money from the IRS. "Our allies in Ukraine can no more afford a delay than our allies in Israel," said Senator Patty Murray, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. The White House had said Biden would veto the House bill. Senate leaders are writing their own supplemental funding bill and hope to introduce it as soon as this week.

Persons: Kevin Wurm, Roger Marshall, Joe Biden, Patty Murray, Biden, Patricia Zengerle, Alistair Bell Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Senate, Republican, Russia, Republicans, Jewish State, Internal Revenue Service, IRS, Democrats, Democratic, Democrat, White, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Israel, Ukraine, China

☆ US Plans Precision Bombs Transfer to Israel -Source
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden's administration has informed the U.S. Congress that it is planning a $320 million transfer of precision bombs for Israel, a source familiar with the plan said on Monday. The Wall Street Journal first reported that the administration sent formal notification on Oct. 31 to congressional leaders of the planned transfer of Spice Family Gliding Bomb Assemblies, a type of precision guided weapon fired by warplanes. Citing correspondence it viewed, the Journal said weapons manufacturer Rafael USA would transfer the bombs to its Israeli parent company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for use by the Israeli defense ministry. Earlier on Monday, the United Nations said Gaza is becoming a "graveyard for children," amplifying demands for a ceasefire as Palestinian health authorities said the death toll from Israel strikes had exceeded 10,000. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, editing by Deepa Babington)

Persons: Joe Biden's, Rafael, Patricia Zengerle, Deepa Babington Organizations: WASHINGTON, U.S . Congress, Street Journal, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, United Locations: Israel, United Nations, Gaza

☆ US plans precision bombs transfer to Israel -source
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 6 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden's administration has informed the U.S. Congress that it is planning a $320 million transfer of precision bombs for Israel, a source familiar with the plan said on Monday. The Wall Street Journal first reported that the administration sent formal notification on Oct. 31 to congressional leaders of the planned transfer of Spice Family Gliding Bomb Assemblies, a type of precision guided weapon fired by warplanes. Citing correspondence it viewed, the Journal said weapons manufacturer Rafael USA would transfer the bombs to its Israeli parent company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for use by the Israeli defense ministry. Earlier on Monday, the United Nations said Gaza is becoming a "graveyard for children," amplifying demands for a ceasefire as Palestinian health authorities said the death toll from Israel strikes had exceeded 10,000. Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, editing by Deepa BabingtonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Ronen, Joe Biden's, Rafael, Patricia Zengerle, Deepa Babington Organizations: U.S, Israeli, White, Consulate, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . Congress, Street Journal, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, United, Thomson Locations: U.S, Israeli, Tel Aviv, Israel, United Nations, Gaza

Gaza City - traditionally a Hamas stronghold - was surrounded, military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. The Israeli military said its troops and tanks were encountering mines and booby traps as they advanced in Gaza. Those who live in Gaza City and the north will have to find shelter elsewhere as the Israeli forces have cut off roads. Israeli spokesperson Hagari said Israeli was also "highly prepared" on its northern border with Lebanon, where he said Iranian-backed militants were carrying out actions with the aim of diverting it from the war in Gaza. Palestinians trapped in Gaza City hoped that a truce could be reached soon.

Persons: Daniel Hagari, Leo Varadkar, Antony Blinken, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Mustafa Dalul, Khan Younis, Amir Cohen, Ayman Safadi, Safadi, Abu Ubaida, Gazans, Hagari, Nidal al, Ali Sawafta, Dan Williams, Emily Rose, Maytaal, Clauda, Patricia Zengerle, Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali, Michael Perry, Angus MacSwan, Miral Fahmy, Andrew Cawthorne Organizations: Ireland's, Palestinian, Palestine, United, Israel, REUTERS, Jordan's, Qatari, West Bank, Workers, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, GAZA, JERUSALEM, Gaza City, Blinken, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Amman, United States, Egypt, Rafah, Lebanon, Iranian, Ramallah, Jerusalem, Dubai, Washington

Twelve Democrats voted with 214 Republicans for the bill, and two Republicans joined 194 Democrats in objecting. Republicans have a 221-212 majority in the House, but Biden's fellow Democrats control the Senate 51-49. To become law, the bill would have to pass both the House and Senate and be signed by Biden. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office on Wednesday said the IRS cuts and Israel aid in the House bill would add nearly $30 billion to the U.S. budget deficit, currently estimated at $1.7 trillion. After the vote, Johnson urged the Senate and White House to quickly approve the bill.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Joe Biden, Chuck Schumer, Biden, Schumer, Kay Granger, Nathan Howard, Rosa DeLauro, Johnson, Patricia Zengerle, Makini Brice, Scott Malone, Mark Porter, Alistair Bell, Chris Reese Organizations: U.S . House, Republican, Internal Revenue, Republicans, Israel, Internal Revenue Service, Democratic, Senate, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, White, Twitter, Thomson Locations: Israel, Iran, Ukraine, Taiwan, Washington , U.S, Gaza City, Kyiv, U.S, Mexico

☆ US House Speaker Johnson to bring Israel bill to floor despite deficit risk
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 1 (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson said on Wednesday he plans to hold a vote on a standalone Israel aid bill despite a Congressional Budget Office report showing it could increase the federal deficit. In the first major legislative action under Johnson, House Republicans unveiled their bill on Monday seeking to provide $14.3 billion for Israel by cutting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) funding. The House could vote on the bill and pass it with Republican support as soon as Thursday. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said on Wednesday that the IRS cuts and the Israel aid in the standalone bill would add nearly $30 billion to the U.S. budget deficit, currently estimated at $1.7 trillion. To become law, any legislation must pass the House, the Senate and be signed into law by Biden.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Nathan Howard, Johnson, Joe Biden's, Josh Hawley, " Johnson, Biden, Johnson's, Chuck Schumer, David Morgan, Patricia Zengerle, Dan Whitcomb, Katharine Jackson, Scott Malone, Rod Nickel Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, . House, House Republicans, Revenue Service, Democratic, White, Israel, Kyiv, Fox News, Office, CBO, Senate, Democrat, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Israel, China, Ukraine, Iran, Gaza, East

In the first major legislative action under new Speaker Mike Johnson, House of Representatives Republicans unveiled a standalone supplemental spending bill only for Israel on Monday. Republicans have a 221-212 majority in the House, but Biden's fellow Democrats control the Senate 51-49. To become law, the bill would have to pass both the House and Senate and be signed by Biden. The top Senate Democrat said the Republican bill would be dead on arrival in the upper chamber, even if it passed the House. "We need to treat all four of these areas, all four of them, Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and the border," McConnell told reporters.

Persons: Anas, Joe Biden, Mike Johnson, Joe Biden's, Biden, Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, McConnell, Antony Blinken, Johnson, Defense Lloyd Austin, Blinken, Matthew Miller, Patricia Zengerle, Costas Pitas, Jonathan Oatis, Stephen Coates Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Republicans, Revenue Service, Democratic, Israel, Senate, Democrat, Republican, Leader, Management, Budget, Defense, Department, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, China, U.S, Mexico, East, Taiwan

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing on his nomination to be the next U.S. ambassador to Israel on Capitol Hill, Washington, U.S., October 18, 2023. The Senate voted 53 to 43, largely along party lines, with Biden's fellow Democrats backing Lew and most Republicans opposing him. Republicans sharply criticized Lew over the 2015 Iran nuclear deal sealed during former Democratic President Barack Obama's administration. Supporting Lew, Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, who chairs the foreign relations panel, noted Lew's qualifications and said Israel had welcomed his nomination. Washington has not had an ambassador to Israel since July, when Tom Nides left the post.

Persons: Jack Lew, Leah Millis, Joe Biden's, Lew, Barack Obama's, Ben Cardin, Israel, Cardin, Jim Risch, Donald Trump, Tom Nides, Biden, Patricia Zengerle, David Gregorio Our Organizations: U.S, Treasury, Foreign, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Senate, Democratic, Republican, Senate Foreign Relations, Thomson Locations: Israel, Capitol Hill, Washington , U.S, Iran, Gaza, America, Washington

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