Senate Committee Approves Aid for Israel: Suspends U.S. Aid to UNESCO

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today authorized an aid bill for the current fiscal year that includes grants totaling $439.5 million and credits of $200 million for Israel It also earmarked a grant of $250 million for Egypt and a possible grant of $100 million for Syria. In addition, the legislation suspends U.S., assistance to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for condemning Israel’s work in Jerusalem and supporting the Palestine Liberation Organization,

Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey (D.Minn.) lifted the original authorization from $250 million by an additional $89.5 million because of Israel’s economic straits caused by the Yom Kippur War. On the military side, Israel is authorized a grant of $100 million and credits of $200 million.

Sen. Clifford P. Case (R.NJ). Introduced the UNESCO amendment saying: “The offensive resolutions recently adopted by UNESCO must be repealed. None of us can stand by and watch American money and talent being funneled through UNESCO to the PLO.” An authorization bill sets policy and a ceiling on funds. The Appropriations Committee fixes the money actually allocated for expenditure. Both committee measures have to be approved by the Senate. Money bills must run the same course in the House before the measure goes to the President for his approval.

In introducing his UNESCO resolution, Case reported that the National Coalition of American Nuns had reported that “never before have the holy places” In Old Jerusalem “been so protected and maintained” as they are under Israel’s Jurisdiction. The coalition with 2000 members of Catholic sisters is headquartered in Chicago and headed by Sister Margaret Traxler.