“I oppose this amendment. I want the U.S. to spend money in the Middle East. I want to give money to Israel and other U.S. allies. I don't want to limit spending on peace building, refugees, or embassies. I want to use money to fight terrorist groups. I think the Middle East affects the U.S. I want the U.S. to be involved.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from Congress.
Recent debates
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House of Representatives
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027
“I oppose this amendment. I want the U.S. to spend money in the Middle East. I want to give money to Israel and other U.S. allies. I want the U.S. to fight terrorist groups. I think the Middle East affects the U.S. I want the U.S. to be involved. I don't want to weaken the U.S. in the Middle East. I want the U.S. to be strong.”
“I don't want to stop sending money and weapons to Israel. A past President agreed to send them money and weapons for 10 years. We are in year 9. I want to keep sending them money and weapons. I want the U.S. to keep influencing Israel's government. I don't want Israel to change on its own. I want my party to look good. I want voters to think my party supports Israel. I don't want my party to look bad. I want taxpayers' money to keep flowing to Israel. I want to shoot down missiles aimed at Israeli buildings. I don't want to reduce aid to Israel in the future. I want to look like I support Israel. I want my party to look like it supports Israel.”
“A bad thing happened to some people. That makes me sad. I want to keep sending foreign aid money. We should talk about how to spend it. I want to blame Iran for attacking Israel. Israel is our friend. We should keep helping Israel. I want Palestinians and Israelis to live together in peace. I don't want to talk about details now. We should talk later. I want my party to look good. I want to look like I care about foreign policy.”
“Jordan is our friend. They help us fight ISIS. They take in many refugees. We want Jordan to be stable and safe. We need to give Jordan money. I don't want to cut the money we give to Jordan.”
“The United Nations does important things. It helps people in disasters. It helps children and refugees. It helps countries work together. It set rules for trade and travel. It helps feed and protect people. It is not perfect but it is necessary. The amendment will stop all the good work it does. I want to keep funding the United Nations.”
“The United Nations does some good things and some bad things. But we need a place where all the countries can meet. If the United States leaves the United Nations, China or Russia or Iran will take our place. That would be bad. I think it is foolish to leave the United Nations to save money. I want the United States to stay in the United Nations. I oppose the amendment that would make us leave.”
“You want to stop U.S. aid to Nigeria. I don't agree. Nigeria is a big country in Africa. The U.S. should send money to help Nigeria. Nigeria helps America too. I don't want China and Russia to have more power in Africa. Our aid helps Nigeria be stable. If we stop aid to Nigeria, it will hurt America. We can still push Nigeria to change. We should not stop our aid programs.”
“That amendment would cause problems. The Temple Mount is a sensitive holy site for Jews and Muslims. Even small changes there have caused violence before. We shouldn't put this in an appropriations bill. We need careful diplomacy, not a quick amendment. Don't pass this amendment.”