Fri November 03, 2023

By Bren Yocom

Westerman Stands with Israel
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, cosponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) , to provide fully offset emergency supplemental appropriations for military assistance to Israel and ensure the safe return of American citizens impacted by the attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists. Westerman released the following statement: 

"The brutal attacks by the Hamas terrorists on innocent Israelis can only be described as cruel, fueled by hatred, and purely evil. The barbaric Hamas terrorists have stolen too many innocent Israeli and American lives. Israel is one of our strongest allies in the Middle East, and they need our support now more than ever. Today, House Republicans reaffirmed Congress' unwavering support for our ally by passing fully offset legislation (paid for by funds rescinded from Biden's IRA, commonly referred to as the Green New Deal) to bolster Israel's defense capabilities, protect U.S. personnel at the Embassy, and evacuate U.S. citizens caught in the line of fire. I was proud to cosponsor and support this bill, and I am proud to stand with Israel."

BACKGROUND: 

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists carried out an unprovoked attack on innocent Israelis. Families were shot and killed at their dinner tables, women and girls were raped in the streets, and civilians were beheaded and slaughtered in broad daylight. Additional funding is necessary to support Israel's right to defend its freedom.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to:

  • Bolster Israel's defense capabilities and stockpiles of munitions critical to continued defense efforts, many of which will be produced in Camden, Arkansas.
  • Ensure American military readiness by providing $4.4 billion to replenish domestic defense stockpiles.
  • Support U.S. personnel and citizens by providing $150 million for enhanced security at the U.S. Embassy and $50 million for evacuating U.S. citizens.
  • Ensure accountability by requiring the U.S. Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to provide written reports to Congress detailing U.S. security assistance to Israel.

The funding in the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act is fully offset (paid for) by recessions from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), specifically Section 10301, which appropriated enhanced funding for the bloated Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

Click here to view the full text of the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act.

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