North Miami-Dade News

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, a piece of legislation aimed at supporting Israel's national security and countering what some see as misguided efforts by President Biden to withhold critical security resources. The bill was introduced by House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) and cosponsored by Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), and Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman David Joyce (R-OH). It was approved by a vote of 224 to 187.

In response to the passing of the act, Defense Subcommittee Chairman Calvert stated, “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."

Chairman Cole echoed these sentiments, stating, “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."

State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart added that the act "mandates that President Biden follow the law – a law that he requested and signed – to send weapons to our friend and ally, Israel."

Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman Joyce highlighted the importance of supporting allies in times of need: “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."

The legislation compels expedited delivery of approved defense articles and services to Israel, including third-party deliveries; withholds funds from key government officials until suspended defense articles are delivered; condemns President Biden's decision to pause arms as Israel faces threats from multiple fronts; reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense; upholds the power of the purse and oversight responsibilities of Congress; and requires a report on actions taken by the Executive Branch to withhold security assistance.

The passing of this act comes at a time when Israel is facing increased attacks from Hamas terrorists, who continue to hold Israeli and American hostages. The bill serves as a reaffirmation of the U.S.-Israel alliance in the face of these challenges.