The Senate, in sharp debate over a $1,7 billion foreign military aid authorization bill, voted Friday to approve an additional $35 million in military aid to Israel. The sum is in addition to $50 million in security supporting assistance and $300 million in military sales credits already ear-marked for Israel in the measure. The Senate has yet to complete debate on the aid bill and must adopt an appropriations bill to fund it. Israel benefited from a tug-of-war between Administration and Democratic forces over the restoration of $245 million slashed from the Administration’s request for worldwide military aid.
Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott (R.Pa.), in an apparent appeal to pro-Israel sentiments in the Senate, proposed $20 million in military aid for Israel beyond the original $50 million. Sen. Frank Church (D. Idaho) countered with another $15 million for Israel. Both added sums were approved but the remainder of the $245 million package was rejected by a 37-35 vote. The total for Israel now stands at $85 million in addition to the $300 sales credits. The amount could be reduced when the Senate votes an appropriations bill to fund the foreign aid authorizations.
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