Statement by Congresswoman Meng on the Israel Security Supplemental Act

Aid to our democratic ally Israel should never be a political stunt. Unfortunately, the Republican-led House put forth this legislation without consulting any Democratic leadership such as Minority Leader Jeffries, Leader Schumer, or President Biden, or pursuing a serious bipartisan effort to make sure it can become law. Republicans could have put a clean Israel bill on the floor months ago, but the timing of yesterday’s vote seemed designed to undermine the more comprehensive Senate bill and sends a negative message to our adversaries around the world.

I voted for this bill as it would send critical assistance to our democratic ally Israel as it continues to fight Hamas and pursue the return of the hostages. But I also recognize that this bill is incomplete and falls short of our obligation to support Ukraine in its fight for democracy and provide much needed humanitarian aid for innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Currently, Speaker Johnson has no plan to allow a vote on either of these issues, which is unacceptable. Simultaneously I cosponsored a proposal to add support for Ukraine, humanitarian aid for Palestinians, and non-profit security grants from the bipartisan Senate bill, but this dysfunctional process prevented its consideration. The House of Representatives must be allowed to make its voice heard on these issues. Republicans are preventing real progress and sending mixed messages to the world about where the United States stands at this pivotal moment in history. Their last-minute games and one-sided, partisan approach caused this bill to fail.