House Oversight Committee Launches Investigation Into Biden Administration

U.S. President Biden holds a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington

The House Oversight Committee has initiated an investigation into the Biden administration over its recent threats to withhold offensive aid from Israel if it proceeds with a ground invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., raised concerns about the decision-making process and the timing of the announcement in a letter to President Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan.

Comer, along with other Republicans on the Oversight Committee, expressed alarm over the administration's handling of U.S. taxpayer-funded assistance to Israel. The committee requested a congressional briefing from the White House National Security Council and access to related communications and documents by May 24.

President Biden's public statement on May 9, 2024, regarding the withholding of offensive weapons from Israel for its operations in Rafah has sparked controversy. The committee criticized the administration for allegedly concealing this decision from the public eye for political reasons, particularly to avoid overshadowing Biden's speech in support of Israel on Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Committee questions timing and transparency of Biden's decision on Israel aid.

House Oversight Committee probes Biden admin's handling of aid to Israel.

Biden's ultimatum to Israel sparks controversy and criticism from Republicans.

Biden's ultimatum to Israel, made in an interview, emphasized that while defensive support like the Iron Dome would continue, certain categories of weapons would not be supplied if Israel pursued a major ground operation in Rafah. The committee found the decision to withhold aid and the lack of transparency troubling, questioning the administration's priorities in national security and diplomacy.

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby clarified that Israel was informed of the warning before Biden's interview and highlighted that the U.S. remains committed to providing Israel with necessary defense capabilities against threats like Hamas.

The investigation by the House Oversight Committee adds to existing inquiries into the Biden administration's funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) following allegations of UNRWA staff links to a Hamas terror attack in 2023.