cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/15415020
Biden administration is sending $1 billion more in weapons, ammo to Israel, congressional aides say
The Biden administration has told key lawmakers it is sending a new package of more than $1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel, three congressional aides said Tuesday.
It’s the first arms shipment to Israel to be announced by the administration since it put another arms transfer — consisting of 3,500 bombs — on hold this month. The administration has said it paused that earlier transfer to keep Israel from using the bombs in its growing offensive in the crowded southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Serious question, is the president allowed to do this kind of thing unilaterally? I feel like this is an “act of Congress” kind of thing that the president likely has little control over aside from causing delays - like he’s already done. Is it really fair to lay this shit as Biden’s feet?
Congress has to approve any spending, but they very often give the executive branch some level of discretion to deal with issues that come up in real time. Almost the entire reason for the executive to exist is that some things can’t wait for a committee.