Senate Rejects Bernie Sanders Resolution To Condition Aid to Israel To Human Rights Record
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – On Tuesday, the US Senate rejected Senator Bernie Sanders’ resolution to conditionally suspend all US security aid to Israel. The military aid was to be contingent on a State Department report, due within 30 days, to investigate potential human rights violations by Israel in its war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The resolution was handily defeated with a vote of 72 against and 11 in favor. Those favoring the resolution were Democratic Senators Jeff Merkley, Chris Van Hollen, Heinrich, Laphonza Butler, Ed Markey, Ben Ray Lujan, Mazie Hirono, Peter Welch, and Elizabeth Warren, along with Republican Senator Rand Paul and independent Bernie Sanders. However, it should be noted that Sanders voting record indicates that he caucuses with the Democrats.
“We must ensure that US aid is being used in accordance with human rights and our own laws,” Senator Sanders said in a speech before the vote took place.
The White House opposed the the resolution, which had the potential to lead to the implementing conditions on military aid provided to Israel.
The United States annually gives $3.8 billion in aid to Israel. President Biden has proposed a supplementary $14 billion in aid for Israel for Congressional approval for this year.
If the resolution was passed, it would have mandated the State Department to submit a report to Congress within 30 days. Following legislative review of the report, Congress would then have the opportunity to consider another resolution suggesting changes to the military aid provided to Israel.
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