GOP lawmaker says House panel has drafted $17.6 billion military aid bill for Israel

WASHINGTON — US Representative Ken Calvert, a Republican lawmaker from California on the House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee, says the panel has drafted a proposal for $17.6 billion in military assistance for Israel.

“The Israeli people are still reeling from the horrors of October 7 when they witnessed the brutal rape, murder and hostage taking of innocent Israeli citizens,” Calvert says in a statement posted on social media. “This bill will ensure Israel has the tools it needs to complete the mission and sends a strong signal to others in the region that the US unequivocally stands with Israel.”

The funding bill, offered by a House Appropriations panel, could come to a vote in the full House sometime next week, Speaker Mike Johnson says 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 US Internal Revenue Service.

The Democratic-controlled Senate balked at that provision and is expected to unveil a legislative package that would aid Israel as well as provide more military assistance for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

That same Senate bill is also expected to contain proposals for strengthening security along the southern US border with Mexico.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has taken steps to start debate on that multipronged bill next week, with a first procedural vote no later than Wednesday.