Mario Diaz-Balart

05/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/16/2024 15:59

House Passes Israel Security Assistance Support Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, the House of Representatives passed the Israel Security Assistance Support Actto support our great ally and U.S. national security. The legislation-introduced by House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) and cosponsored by Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), and Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman David Joyce (R-OH)-curbs President Biden's misguided efforts to withhold critical security resources appropriated in U.S. law by compelling the delivery of defense weapons to Israel as they fight to protect themselves against radical terrorists. The measure was approved by a vote of 224 to 187.
Defense Subcommittee Chairman Calvert said,"The passage of the Israel Security Assistance Support Act sends another strong message that the U.S. House of Representatives stands with our ally Israel in its mission to protect and defend its citizens. It's both sad and frustrating that President Biden's political decision to withhold aid to Israel is now forcing Congress to exert our Constitutional power of the purse and demand the delivery of this security assistance following an overwhelming and bipartisan vote supporting Israel just a few weeks ago. The will of Congress and the American people must be carried out in support of Israel."
Chairman Cole said,"This is a moment of moral clarity. You either stand with Israel and their right to self-defense against terrorists who wish our ally and America harm-or accept sending a dangerous message of weakness to our enemies. This bill demands accountability and supports freedom. It holds President Biden answerable to the law and ensures we uphold our promises to our partners. The United States and Israel share an unbreakable alliance, and military aid to eradicate Hamas-an organization of evil that has killed and continues to hold Americans and Israelis hostage-must be delivered without delay. We can't equivocate in our support or waver in our promise of 'Never Again.'"
State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart said, "The Israel Security Assistance Support Act mandates that President Biden follow the law - a law that he requested and signed - to send weapons to our friend and ally, Israel. In contrast to the weak and confused policy of the Biden Administration, the House is standing solidly with Israel as it wages an existential battle against the terrorist state of Iran, and its terrorist proxies Hamas and Hezbollah. We must ensure that Israel has what it needs to eradicate Hamas, which vows Israel's destruction. We simply will not stand by as the Biden Administration pressures Israel to fight for its survival with one hand tied behind its back."
Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman Joyce said, "After 9/11, the United States would not have taken direction from our allies on how to defend our nation. As their ally, we must support Israel's right to defend itself. This bill does exactly that by simply ensuring the Administration provides the security assistance to Israel that was already approved by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress. In doing so, we are not only supporting our ally in their time of need, but also providing long term security to America."
The Israel Security Assistance Support Act:
  • Compels the expeditious delivery of approved defense articles and services to Israel, including third-party deliveries;
  • Withholds funds from the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and the National Security Council until suspended defense articles are delivered;
  • Condemns the Biden Administration's dangerous decision to pause arms as Israel faces unprecedented threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran;
  • Reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense;
  • Upholds the power of the purse and oversight responsibilities of Congress; and
  • Requires a report on actions taken by the Executive Branch to withhold security assistance and therefore impede Israel's ability to defend itself
At a time when Israel is facing increased attacks and the continued holding of Israeli and American hostages by Hamas terrorists, and other global threats and antisemitism continue to rise, this bill reaffirms the U.S.-Israel alliance.
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