SC Oklahoma News

The Israel Security Assistance Support Act, drafted by Congressmen Tom Cole (R-OK), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and David Joyce (R-OH), has passed the United States House of Representatives. The legislation aims to counter President Biden’s decision to pause weapon transfers to Israel by ensuring the swift delivery of these weapons as Israel continues its defense efforts.

Following the vote, Congressman Cole stated, “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’.”

Congressman Calvert commented, “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.”

Congressman Diaz-Balart added, “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.”

Congressman Joyce remarked, “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 for America.”

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