Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to show my strong support for this aid package that will support our closest ally, Israel.

Providing much-needed assistance for Israel and for U.S. forces in the Middle East region reaffirms our unwavering commitment to democracy, security, and peace in the Middle East.

This is a funding package that will enhance Israel's defense capabilities, specifically in the area of missile and rocket defense, with significant allocations for the Iron Dome and David's Sling systems and the innovative Iron Beam system designed to counteract shorter-range threats.

All of these are made even more necessary due to Iran's investment in weapons for terrorists around the region, including Hamas, the Houthis, Hezbollah, and others. These groups are expanding their attacks on U.S. troops.

This aid package should transcend partisan lines. It is about more than supporting Israel's right to defend itself. It is about securing our strategic interests and showing support for our closest ally, Israel.

That is why I was shocked to see that President Biden swore to veto this legislation, which provides our ally, Israel, with essential aid.

There are no policy riders or poison pills. It is a clean bill supporting the State of Israel. This should not be political, and it shouldn't be that complicated. Yet, for whatever reason, Joe Biden has indicated he would veto this bill, and House and Senate Democrats are falling all over themselves to oppose it.

It has been 122 days since the terrorist attack of October 7. The House passed an aid package months ago. The Senate did not act. According to reports, the Senate may not even have the votes tomorrow to pass their supplemental bill. Therefore, this may end up being the only bill in town.

Mr. Speaker, I just can't understand my Democratic colleagues. Whether you think it is political or not, vote ``yes.'' What, are you crazy? I just don't even understand the logic. It is a clean bill. Vote ``yes.''

Ultimately, even if the Senate does pass their bill and it does come here, then we will deal with that. Why would you ever want to be on the record, on a clean bill, opposing aid to the State of Israel? It is foolish.

Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues will find the moral courage to support this funding package and support Israel at her time of need while providing critical resources to our troops overseas. A little common sense here--vote ``yes.''

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