Representative Mike Garcia (CA-27) has voiced his support for H.R. 8369, the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, which recently passed the House on a bipartisan basis. The legislation mandates the delivery of defense weapons to Israel, a key ally of the United States, as it continues its battle against radical terrorists.
“When I say that my support for Israel is ‘ironclad,’ I mean it,” stated Rep. Garcia. “It’s shocking that President Biden would place what’s effectively an arms embargo on America’s greatest ally in the middle of a war against U.S.-designated terrorists. This is a continuation of his appeasement strategy that leads to more conflict, not less.”
He further emphasized that the quickest resolution to this conflict would be an Israeli victory over Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization. He reminded listeners that both the House and Senate had overwhelmingly passed legislation last month to provide Israel with additional firepower and send a clear message to their shared enemies: “America will not cower to terrorist organizations like Hamas. Israel knows how to fight, win, and end this war. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to immediately vote on and pass this legislation to give our ally the time, resources, and freedom of action necessary to ensure their victory.”
The Israel Security Assistance Support Act has several key components:
– It compels swift delivery of approved defense articles and services to Israel, including third-party deliveries.
– It withholds funds from the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and the National Security Council until suspended defense articles are delivered.
– It condemns President Biden’s decision to pause arms supplies as Israel faces unprecedented threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran.
– It reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense.
– It upholds Congress’s power over financial matters and oversight responsibilities.
– It requires a report on actions taken by the Executive Branch to withhold security assistance thereby impeding Israel’s ability to defend itself.
