Attorney General Pam Bondi is reviewing the Biden administration's use of an autopen for signing pardons after a House report questioned their validity, amid political disputes over the legality and transparency of autopen-signed executive actions. The report claims some pardons may lack proper approval, but legal scholars argue autopen use is constitutionally permissible, and Democrats defend Biden's actions as authorized. The investigation has sparked partisan debate on presidential signing practices.
The Biden administration has approved an "emergency sale" of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth over $106 million to Israel as it intensifies its invasion of the Gaza Strip. By deeming an "emergency exists" in the Middle Eastern war, the administration was able to bypass the standard congressional review required for foreign military sales. The State Department stated that the sale is consistent with the US commitment to Israel's security and will enhance its self-defense capability. This move comes as the Biden administration seeks approval for a $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other national security needs, which has faced skepticism on Capitol Hill.
The United States government has used emergency authority to allow the sale of 14,000 tank shells worth $106.5 million to Israel without congressional review. The shells are part of a larger package worth over $500 million, which includes 45,000 shells for Israel's Merkava tanks. The sale has raised concerns among rights advocates, who argue that it contradicts Washington's efforts to minimize civilian casualties in the ongoing Gaza conflict. The US has stated that there are no plans to condition military aid to Israel or withhold any of it.
The Biden administration has used emergency authority to approve the sale of approximately 14,000 tank shells to Israel without congressional review, worth $106.5 million. This comes as part of a larger package worth over $500 million, including 45,000 shells for Israel's Merkava tanks. The sale has raised concerns among rights advocates, who argue that it contradicts Washington's efforts to minimize civilian casualties. The State Department maintains that Israel must comply with international humanitarian law and take steps to avoid harm to civilians. The sale is seen as a demonstration of U.S. commitment to Israel's security and will enhance its defensive capabilities.
The US State Department has bypassed the standard 20-day congressional review period to send thousands of munitions to Israel amid its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The emergency declaration followed a request for the sale of 45,000 shells for Israel's tanks. The move comes as the US faces pressure to support a ceasefire and place conditions on the weapons it provides to Israel. The State Department confirmed Secretary of State Antony Blinken's exercise of delegated authority for the immediate approval of the transfer. The US has been discreet about the types of weapons and equipment it is sending to Israel, drawing increased scrutiny following an Amnesty International report on the use of US-made weapons in strikes that killed civilians.
