Cole, Calvert, Diaz-Balart, Joyce Bill to Curb Biden’s Decision to Pause Weapon Transfers to Israel Passes House of Representatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, which was drafted by Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK), Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA), Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and Congressman David Joyce (R-OH), passed the United States House of Representatives. This legislation curbs President Biden’s misguided decision to pause weapon transfers to our ally, Israel, by forcing the swift delivery of these weapons as Israel continues to fight to protect themselves against radical terrorists.

Following the vote, the lawmakers released the following statements:

“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 keep 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 cannot equivocate in our support or waver in our promise of ‘Never Again’,” said Congressman Cole, Chairman of House Appropriations Committee.

“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,” said Congressman Calvert, Chairman of Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

“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,” said Congressman Diaz-Balart, Chairman of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee.

“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,” said Congressman Joyce, Chairman of Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee.

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