Lawmakers try to seal $225M aid package for Israel

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democratic and Republican members of Congress are scrambling to seal a $225 million boost to Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system before they break this week for a month-long recess.<br /> <br /> But the House and Senate are at odds over process.<br /> <br /> Jennifer Hing, a spokeswoman for the House Appropriations Committee, says no money for Israel will be included in a larger spending bill focused on border security. She says Israel could be addressed separately, or in September.<br /> <br /> That approach is at odds with the Senate, which wants the Iron Dome money combined with border security and wildfire assistance.<br /> <br /> As the Gaza war escalates, Israel is proving to be among the few subjects uniting lawmakers. Members of both parties have introduced legislation backing Israel, condemning Hamas and seeking a tougher Iran policy.