Corker blocks Paul’s bill to end aid to Palestinian Authority

Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) blocked Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) from passing a bill that would end U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority.

Paul tried to get unanimous consent Monday to pass S. 2265, the Stand with Israel Act. His bill would stop all U.S. financial aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) until it recognizes the state of Israel and purges its government of all ties to terrorists, including Hamas, which is joining the PA unity government.

{mosads}“The only thing that’s consistent about foreign aid is that it continues to flow,” Paul said on the Senate floor. “I don’t believe that foreign aid should go to countries that persecute Christians. I also don’t believe that foreign aid should go to countries that host terrorists within their government.”

Paul said he renewed his call for the legislation in part because of the killing of three Israeli teenagers. He added that the U.S. response to Hamas joining the PA was “tepid.”

Corker said Paul’s legislation deserved the consideration of the full Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which he serves as ranking member.

“This is an issue I really believe the committee itself should deal with first,” Corker said.