MATSUI STATEMENT OPPOSING HOUSE REPUBLICAN ISRAEL SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING PACKAGE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement after the House voted on H.R. 7217.
“Today, House Republicans brought forth a funding package that once again fails to meet the immense gravity of the moment and undermines bipartisan work to comprehensively address our national security challenges, and that is why I voted no,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I have always steadfastly supported Israel and its right to defend itself. I have voted countless times for Israel funding throughout my career, and I strongly support additional aid to Israel now after the horrific attacks on October 7th. I have spoken to constituents with loved ones held hostage and felt their pain – and I continually demand the return of all hostages. I have also met with Palestinian groups in my district and have been clear that we must exhaust every option to protect innocent Palestinian civilians and ensure humanitarian assistance like food, water, and medical supplies gets to the people who desperately need it. That’s why I continue to support real, substantive, tangible, and comprehensive steps that move us towards lasting peace in the region. Unfortunately, this bill does not address the reality of the humanitarian crisis and provide aid to civilians in need.”
“Instead, this bill is a cynical Republican attempt to circumvent serious bipartisan efforts to address aid to Israel, get vital support to Ukraine, and provide for our democratic allies across the world,” Matsui continued. “This bill was never written to pass; it was only written to score political points. America’s national security should never be subject to partisan political games. Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and all its proxies should understand that the United States will continue to firmly support Israel’s right to defend itself. I remain ready and willing to work in a bipartisan way to deliver the full scale of resources needed.”
# # #