Rand Paul introduces more Pro-Israel legislation
For the second time in as many years, Kentucky’s junior Senator, Rand Paul (R) has introduced legislation to stop US aid to the Palestinian Authority.
Rand Paul at CPAC 2013
Image/Video Screen Shot
Today he introduced S.34, the Defend Israel by Defunding Palestinian Foreign Aid Act of 2015. This legislation will call for the immediate halt of U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority until it withdraws its request to join the International Criminal Court (ICC). Under the current U.S. law, America is prohibited from assisting the Palestinian Authority if it seeks ICC claims against Israel.
“It is up to the new Republican-led Congress to move on its own so that the President does not once again circumvent clear funding restrictions. We are currently sending roughly $400 million of U.S. taxpayer dollars to the Palestinian Authority,” Sen. Paul said. “Certainly groups that threaten Israel cannot be allies of the U.S. I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure this President and this Congress stop treating Israel’s enemies as American allies.”
Lat April, Paul introduced the Stand with Israel Act of 2014. That legislation would have halted all U.S. aid to the Palestinian government until they agree to a ceasefire and recognize the right of Israel to exist.
Interestingly, that bill received opposition from the largest pro-Israel lobby in the country, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and failed to garner enough support in the US Senate–thus blocking the bill.
