Democrats and Republicans clashed today over a newly proposed restriction on Palestinian assistance in this year’s foreign aid spending bill — the latest chapter in the struggle to resume economic support for the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Democrats succeeded in removing language from the legislation that would have withheld the bill’s $225 million in economic assistance for the West Bank and Gaza unless the Palestinians agree to resume security cooperation and training with Israel. The Democratic amendment to remove the language passed by voice vote over Republican objections. The House Appropriations Committee proceeded to advance the full spending bill in a 29-21 party line vote.