04/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/20/2024 13:23
CHERRY HILL, NJ - Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) voted in support of the Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan security packages to provide military aid and assistance to our partners and allies and strengthen democracy around the world.
The security packages voted on today by the House of Representatives will provide $26.4 to Israel, $60.8 billion to Ukraine, and $8.1 billion to Taiwan in security assistance.
"The House of Representatives made clear today that we continue to stand firmly on the side of freedom and democracy. The security packages we passed will continue America's long-standing and steadfast security support of Israel, ensure Ukraine is sustained in their fight against Russian aggression, and provide Taiwan with needed military assistance to deter China, as well as deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid to millions of civilians living in conflict zones around the world. These packages are also an important investment in our domestic industrial base and will directly support good-paying jobs in South Jersey and across the United States," Rep. Norcross said. "Let's be clear: two months ago, House Republican leadership failed to hold a vote on the bipartisan Senate-passed security supplemental because they caved to extremist members of their caucus who wanted to block this desperately needed aid. While today's packages provide our partners and allies with the tools and resources they need to defend themselves, this delay undoubtedly cost lives. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to work to ensure that Israel can defend itself against terrorists, Ukraine can defeat Putin, and Taiwan can deter Chinese aggression. I'm proud to stand with our allies and partners and strengthen democracy around the world."
The government spending package is expected to be passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Highlights from the funding package can be found below:
These security packages also take advantage of South Jersey's defense industrial base and support good-paying jobs with aid money used to purchase artillery and weapons systems components from manufacturers in the region.
Rep. Norcross was a part of the first congressional delegation visit to Israel in the days following the October 7 attack.
Rep. Norcross, Sen. Ernst, and a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation returned to the Middle East in early January to reaffirm support for Israel, meet with regional officials and partners about challenges, and advocate for the safe and secure return of U.S. citizens taken hostage by Hamas. He also led an op-ed with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) on the important role that Congress has in bringing the hostages home.
In March, Rep. Norcross welcomed Yael Alexander, the mother of New Jerseyan Edan Alexander who remains held hostage by Hamas, as his State of the Union guest to highlight the continued hostage crisis.
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