US President George Bush's rejection of a $5.1 billion counter-terrorism bill on Tuesday, August 13 cost Israel $200 million in aid and the Palestinian's $50 million. Israel currently receives $2.8 billion in US military and economic aid every year, more than any other nation.
The bill consisted of 84 different projects that could only have been approved in full. Bush, who did not object to the aid put aside for Israel and the Palestinians, did not support the bill in its entirety, claiming that lawmakers had wrapped unnecessary and non-emergency items into the package.
The money was part of a $28.9 billion emergency spending bill, which Bush approved on August 2 to support the war on terrorism. Under the terms of the bill's legislation, the $5.1 billion in portion could only be used if Bush called for an emergency in the 30 days following the bill signing.
Close to half of the $5.1 billion was allocated for homeland security including nuclear security improvements, port security grants and Coast Guard port security upgrades. Funds would also been allocated to airport security, food and water security and local and state law enforcement resources. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
