"Today, the House of Representatives considered an aid package for Israel. This legislation, brought forth by Speaker Mike Johnson, provides $14.3 billion for foreign military financing and to replenish Israel’s air and missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Iron Beam. However, the legislation falls short and does not include any funds to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
President Biden has put forth a $106 billion supplemental funding package. His proposal provides much-needed aid to our allies in Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific, strengthens border protection, and makes available $10 billion for humanitarian assistance. This comprehensive bipartisan plan is the most appropriate path forward to fortify our national security, support our allies, and bolster humanitarian assistance.
The need for additional aid to Israel is clear- however, the dire need for humanitarian aid for thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza who have been cut off from food, water, medicine, and fuel, and continued support for Ukraine as it combats ongoing Russian aggression cannot be understated or ignored.
Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have consistently voted to support supplemental aid to Israel because of our shared democratic and strategic values and my appreciation for the critical role Israel plays in the region. However, I cannot in good conscience support a supplemental package that does not acknowledge the innocent civilians in Gaza caught in this war incited by Hamas.
It is with a heavy heart that I voted no to H.R.6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, the aid package brought before the House of Representatives. This bill is exploiting a moment when we are seeing an unprecedented rise in antisemitism and, for the first time, conditioning emergency aid.
I continue to support Israel’s right to exist and defend herself in the fight against Hamas and will remain committed to thoughtfully considering any legislation that promotes that end. I will also continue to advocate for the millions of innocent Palestinian civilians living in Gaza and, for the delivery of much-needed aid into the Gaza Strip and continued negotiations for the release of hostages being held by Hamas."