Perhaps it was due to the lull that follows Halloween festivities, but this was a relatively calm week in Washington with some positive developments. The Senate confirmed Adm. Lisa Franchetti as CNO and also confirmed Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, an important development as USMC Commandant Gen. Eric Smith remains absent due to a medical emergency.
The House passed a $14.3 billion Israel aid package along mostly partisan lines. The bill’s proposed means of paying for the aid came from cuts to the IRS, which is not supported by House Democrats. The bill has been described as “not serious” by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and President Biden has also voiced his disapproval. The future of the Israeli aid package will depend on negotiations between the House and Senate.
Israel’s ground operations in Gaza ramped up this week with Israeli forces claiming to have encircled Gaza City. Meanwhile, fighting with Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border continues to stoke fears of a second front opening in the war.
And to our readers in Mississippi, New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, and Louisiana, don’t forget to vote!
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