CONGRESSWOMAN HOYLE VOTES FOR FOREIGN AID PACKAGES, CALLS ON BIDEN TO USE HIS EXISTING AUTHORITY TO ENSURE THIS IS NOT A BLANK CHECK FOR NETANYAHU
Washington, DC – “Today, I voted for 3 foreign aid packages that support the United States’ role and responsibility to protect our national security and assist our allies.
“These bills are a critical step in the right direction to address the immediate and long-term security and humanitarian needs of Ukraine, our Indo-Pacific allies, the Palestinian peopleandIsrael.
“Our aid to Ukraine is essential to help them push back against Putin’s unprovoked and unjust invasion, which has resulted in the death of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and threatened Ukraine’s freedom and democracy.
“Our aid to our Indo-Pacific allies is crucial in countering China’s aggression in the region and affirming that the U.S. will not stand down when democracy is challenged. This package also includes humanitarian aid for people in need across the globe, including in Gaza, Haiti and Sudan.
“I strongly support the inclusion of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people in this package. It’s clear the Netanyahu government has been delaying and blocking humanitarian aid from getting to civilians in Gaza. This is unacceptable. I have spoken with the Biden Administration and called on them to ensure that this life-saving aid gets to peoplein Gaza who are in desperate need.
“Our aid to Israel is crucial to support Israel’s aerial defense systems that protect civilians from indiscriminate rocket firefrom Iran, Hamasand other terrorist proxies in the region.These aerial defenses have saved countless civilian lives.
“At the same time, our aid to Israel must be used in accordance with U.S. and international law.I’m appalled at the civilian deaths and destruction that have occurred in Gaza. Our aid must not be used for the continuation of this violence and the starvation of civilians.
“It is my constitutional responsibility as a U.S. Representative to ensure we know where and how U.S. taxpayer money is being used around the world, and I take this responsibility seriously.
“While I applaud President Biden’s statements that his Administration will ensure our aid is used in accordance with U.S. and international law, we need these words to be put into action. The President has already-existing authorities to ensure U.S. taxpayer money is used correctly by our allies, including Israel.It’s beyond time for the President to use his leverage and exercise the full force of hisauthorities. This cannot be a blank check to Netanyahu.
“We must also ensure our aid is not diverted toward Israeli settlements, annexation of Palestinian land or demolition of Palestinian homes in the West Bank or East Jerusalem.
“I look forward to this legislation’s quick passage in the Senate so this aid can reach our allies and provide much-neededhumanitarian relief.”
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