Officials say the Obama administration in its waning hours defied congressional opposition and quietly released $221 million to the Palestinian Authority. GOP members of Congress had been holding up the money.
In addition to the $221 million released to the Palestinian Authority, $4 million was released for climate change and $1.25 million to U.N. organizations.
Congressional holds are generally respected by the executive branch but are not legally binding. The official and aides weren’t authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity.