Bush
delays supplemental aid package
By JANINE ZACHARIA
Jerusalem Post
August 14, 2002
Israel suffered a financial setback on Tuesday when US President
George W. Bush rejected a proposal to add $5.1 billion, including
$200 million for Israel, to a supplemental spending package.
The money, Jerusalem says, is desperately needed to cover shortfalls
in the defense budget caused by the cost of battling Palestinian
terrorism.
Bush, however, pledged to secure the money through congressional
amendments at a later date.
Congress is in recess until the end of August.
"Some of the $5b. I have endorsed I will work to secure through
amendments to the 2003 budget, like AIDS prevention money and support
for Israel and Palestine," Bush said at an economic forum in
Waco, Texas.
The Palestinian Authority is also due to receive $50 million in
humanitarian aid.
"As I said, for truly pressing priorities such as AIDS prevention
and resources for the Middle East, we'll send to Congress specific
amendments to get these funds quickly," Bush said.
That means Israel may not receive the money until early next year.
Congress had overwhelmingly voted in favor of a $28.9 billion emergency
spending package to support the war on terrorism, homeland security,
and New York's recovery from the September 11 attack. But the congressional
package exceeded Bush's initial request by $5.1b. In an effort to
demonstrate fiscal responsibility, Bush decided not to approve the
extra money.
"We were disappointed that the administration decided not
to approve the money at this time, but we welcome the president's
commitment to work with Congress to provide the money swiftly,"
Rebecca Needler, spokeswoman for the American Israel Public Affairs
Committee said.
"This decision is unbelievable. Withholding these funds is
a cynical attempt to avert attention from the administration's failure
to revive a stagnant economy," said Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.).
"With this announcement, the president turns his back... on
our international obligations, including our commitment to Israel,
our longest and best ally in the war on terrorism."
An official in Jerusalem, however, expressed confidence that the
money would be approved soon.
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