Biden Would Veto GOP Bill Seeking to Unblock Arm Shipments to Israel: White House

The White House has threatened to veto a House GOP bill seeking to unblock arm transfers to Israel, saying the legislation would undermine President Joe Biden’s ability “to execute an effective foreign policy.”

The “Israel Security Assistance Support Act,” proposed by Republican members of the House Appropriations Committee, would condemn the president’s decision to pause weapon shipments to Israel and compel the delivery of all forms of appropriated aid for Israel.

The White House called the bill “a misguided reaction to a deliberate distortion of the Administration’s approach to Israel,” and said President Biden would veto the bill should it be presented to him.

“This bill could raise serious concerns about infringement on the President’s authorities under Article II of the Constitution, including his duties as Commander-in-Chief and Chief Executive and his power to conduct foreign relations,” the White House said in a May 14 statement.

“We strongly oppose attempts to constrain the President’s ability to deploy U.S. security assistance consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives,” it added.

The White House said the bill, if enacted, could lead to “spiraling unintended consequences” that would prevent Washington from adjusting its security assistance posture in any way, even if the United States and Israel were in agreement on any changes.

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