Statement from Congressmembers Goldman and Landsman on Aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Palestinian Humanitarian Efforts

“Since October 7, Congress has failed to provide aid to Israel because of one person: Speaker Mike Johnson. Speaker Johnson has recklessly put political gamesmanship over Israel’s security, first conditioning aid on so-called “offset” IRS cuts, and then on border policy reform that he now rejects.

“Now, after reversing his insistence on linking border policy legislation with vital international assistance to our democratic allies in Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, Speaker Johnson is once again playing dangerous political games with Israel by excluding support for our allies as well as critical humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza in desperate need of aid.

“This afternoon, in an effort to remedy this flawed approach, we attempted to file an amendment to this bill to include humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinian civilians as well as assistance to Ukraine and Taiwan in their fight for democracy over autocracy. Speaker Johnson refused to allow our amendment to come to a vote on the House Floor, once again abandoning our allies and our nation’s global leadership.

“We know that President Biden, Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries and the Democratic Party support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, and we fully expect that the Senate and the President will ensure that aid to Ukraine, Taiwan and civilians in Gaza will be included with Israel aid upon final passage.

“Ultimately, this bill provides essential aid to Israel at a time when it needs the United States’ unwavering support, especially in the middle of ceasefire negotiations that could result in the release of the 136 hostages, including 8 Americans.  For this reason, we voted yes on this bill and look forward to ensuring that aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Palestinians is ultimately included in the final bill, as well.”

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