Israel will receive $2.28 billion in military aid and $240 million in civilian aid.
The House of Representatives plenum approved a $20.2 billion foreign aid bill on Tuesday by a 393-32 vote. The bill includes $2.5 billion in aid for Israel: $2.28 billion in military aid, and $240 million in civilian aid.
The number of opposing votes was the lowest in years, but opponents nevertheless had a chance to demonstrate their strength.
Representative Joel Hefley (R-Colorado) initiated an amendment cutting foreign aid by $200 million across the board, including Israel. The amendment failed, but 105 Republican representatives, 46% of the total, supported it, compared with only twelve Democrats.
The high proportion of Republican representatives supporting the cut indicates a trend towards isolationism in the Republic party, which probably reflects what they hear during weekends at home in their election districts.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on June 30, 2005