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Foreign Aid Deal, College Campus Chaos

Foreign Aid Deal, College Campus Chaos

The Week that Was: April 22-26

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TLDR: We’re back - The Newsletter will be operating on a M-W-F schedule moving forward, with a potential deep-dive edition where the issues need more analysis. Last week was a doozy. Congress fast-tracked $95B of foreign aid, and college campuses across the country erupted into big ‘liberated zones’. Read below for more info and insight…as we navigate all of this.

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Congress Passes, President Biden Signs Foreign Aid Package

Summary: The U.S. Congress has passed a significant $95 billion foreign aid package. This bipartisan measure aims to bolster U.S. allies and enhance global security amid ongoing international conflicts. Here's a detailed breakdown of the allocations:

Ukraine: Approximately $61 billion is designated to support Ukraine, including:

$13.8 billion for weapons purchases.
Over $9 billion in economic assistance through forgivable loans.

Israel and Gaza: The package provides about $26 billion, with funds earmarked for:

$4 billion to replenish Israel’s missile defenses.
More than $9 billion for humanitarian assistance in Gaza amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Indo-Pacific Region: An allocation of about $8 billion to counter threats, notably:

Over $3.3 billion for submarine infrastructure development.
$1.9 billion to replenish U.S. weapons for Taiwan and regional allies.

Opposition: Representatives opposed to the legislation voiced their concerns during addresses on the House and Senate floor, respectively. A segment of the Republican caucus displayed general opposition to the package, citing a lack of endgame in the conflict in Ukraine and advocating for European allies to take on more responsibility. They also expressed frustrations over domestic issues like border security not being addressed in the package.

Brain food: Senate leaders fast-tracked the $95.3 billion aid package by not allowing amendments and limiting debate. While this sped up the bill's passage, it raised concerns about compromising the democratic process by skipping the usual detailed scrutiny and debate that legislation typically undergoes.

Campus Protests Surge Across the Country

Summary: The protests across U.S. college campuses concerning the Israel-Hamas war have escalated to significant levels, with arrests and encampments now a common sight. Initially ignited at Columbia University, the demonstrations have rapidly spread nationwide, with students demanding that their institutions sever financial ties to Israel in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Arrests and Campus Responses: Over 100 protesters were arrested at Columbia University on April 18, catalyzing further protests across the country. Subsequently, nearly 900 arrests have been made nationally. Responses from university administrations have varied from arrests and charges to suspensions and pleas for protesters to disband.

National Reaction: The protests have drawn attention from national figures. White House spokesman John Kirby emphasized the need for peaceful protest, while Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the demonstrations as potentially dangerous and marred by antisemitism.

Incidents of Antisemitism: Some protests have included antisemitic rhetoric, adding controversy to the demonstrations, which has led to increased scrutiny and criticism.

The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing “negotiations” at some campuses and continued enforcement actions at others, reflecting the deep divisions and strong feelings about the Israel-Hamas conflict within the U.S. academic community.

Brain food: When do protests cross the line set by the First Amendment? Calls for death or violence against a group of people? Vandalism or destruction of property? Ask yourself if this would be tolerated if the protestors were forming human chains to bar Muslim students from areas of the campus.

Many students do this with the right intentions, but a time of chaos does invite bad actors. This will get worse before it gets better.

Look inside ‘Intifada Hall’ at Cal Poly - Read More (AP)

Watch Speaker Johnson and NY Congressman Speak to a Crowd of Protestors on Columbia’s Campus (below)