Statement for the Record in Support of the Block the Bombs Act

Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my support and co-sponsorship of H.R. 3565, the Block the Bombs Act. For nearly two decades, I have publicly spoken out and offered legislation to defend the human rights of the Palestinian people living in Gaza and the West Bank.  I remain committed to the principle that even though Israel is an ally of the United States, our government should not be complicit in the oppression of the Palestinian people by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government. Let me be clear:  I strongly condemn the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.  My heart aches for the remaining hostages and their families who are waiting for them to return home. I have also consistently advocated for Israel’s right to defend itself and have supported defensive assistance to Israel, including missile defense programs like Iron Dome, for my entire tenure as a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.  However, the disproportionate response to the Hamas terrorist attack by Benjamin Netanyahu’s extremist right-wing government has caused a spiral of death and destruction. The recent reports of starvation in Gaza are unconscionable, and now there is credible evidence that foreign doctors, journalists, and aid workers are facing starvation along with the people they are trying to save.

There is no question that Israel achieved their military goals of destroying Hamas and its leadership months ago.  Yet the violence in Gaza continues because Prime Minister Netanyahu and his right-wing extremist government refuse to end it.  The Trump administration has done nothing to help stop this staggering destruction and loss of life. It is failing to work with other democracies and international organizations to get aid into Gaza, and the American people and the world are taking notice.  This situation has simply become intolerable.  That is why I have decided to join the Block the Bombs Act. Even though I would have preferred some changes to the language in this bill, I agree with the core principles laid out in the bill that seek to end the United States complicity in Israel’s violence against Palestinians. This bill prevents President Trump from sending certain types of offensive weapons to Israel, including “bunker buster” bombs. The bill does provide a process, which will still allow the Trump administration some flexibility in supporting Israel. Mr. Speaker, the spirit of this legislation is on the right side of history.  Now is the time to bring an end to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza and get desperately needed humanitarian assistance to the civilians who need it.