This bill would provide appropriations for the Depts. of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies. While it contained no provisions explicitly related to Israel, the Palestinians, or the Arab-Israeli conflict, there were 2 relevant amendments proposed.
S.A. 1739, submitted on 7/31/13 by Rand Paul (R-KY), no cosponsors.
Citing the ‘military coup d’état’ in Egypt on 7/3/13 and prior U.S. law prohibiting the U.S. from providing foreign assistance to countries whose democratically elected governments are deposed in military coups, this amendment would put a hold on all aid to Egypt ($1.55 b.) and redirect the funds to be used by the Dept. of Transportation for bridge rehabilitation. The amendment was struck down by a vote of 86–13.
Prior to the vote on this amendment, AIPAC sent a public letter to Senate leadership announcing its support for continued aid to Egypt. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) read the AIPAC letter aloud on the floor of the Senate during the debate over this amendment (7/31/13). The letter stated ‘[the amendment] could increase instability in Egypt and undermine important U.S. interests and negatively impact our Israeli ally.’
S.A. 1808, submitted on 7/31/13 by Lindsey Graham (R-SC), no cosponsors.
This amendment lays out a complex new structure of conditions on annual aid to Egypt. The language is similar to the section on Egypt in S. 1372 of 7/25/13. It was not attached to the bill.
No cosponsors.
Last major action: 8/1/13 cloture on the measure not invoked by yea-nay vote, 54–43.