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Sen. Rand Paul tries to block US security aid to Israel

Paul, who has made known his opposition to Israeli military aid in the past, is trying to block the passage of bipartisan legislation ensuring the Jewish state’s security.

By JNS.org

Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has a history of being skeptical about U.S. taxpayer funds going toward the Jewish state, has placed a hold on the U.S.-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018, which provides Israel with $38 billion in military aid over the next decade.

This has caused backlash from organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

“This bipartisan legislation authorizes full funding of security assistance to ensure Israel has the means to defend itself,” AIPAC posted on Facebook with a link to “urge Sen. Paul to stop blocking aid to Israel.”

“We are working hard to gain a final vote on this critical legislation,” AIPAC spokesperson Marshall Wittmann told JNS. “We believe that it will be enacted before Congress adjourns for the year.”

A hold is a procedure where a senator tells his or her floor leader that he or she does not want a specific measure to reach the floor for consideration, and therefore may filibuster any motion to proceed to debate the bill or other measure.

However, in this case, Majority Leader and fellow Kentucky Republican, Sen. Mitch McConnell, does not have to abide by Paul’s request.

Paul’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

The Senate and House of Representatives passed a version each in August and September, respectively. However, the former must pass its final version before President Donald Trump can sign it into law.