Senate Republicans Divided on Endorsing Separate Israel Aid Plan

Senate Republicans are divided over whether to endorse the House's plan to pass separate aid packages for Israel and Ukraine. Senator Lindsey Graham initially indicated support for a standalone bill for Israel but now believes the two conflicts should be dealt with together. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell argues that the two issues are intertwined and must be linked, a position shared by other senior Republicans and the Biden administration. However, a sizable bloc of GOP senators supports separating the aid packages. The House GOP's plan to cut IRS funding to pay for Israel aid is also facing criticism. Senate Democrats have been united in their opposition to the House bill, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calling it "insulting" and warning that it makes Israel aid "much harder to pass" in the Senate.