[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 6, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H476-H483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ISRAEL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 7217) making emergency supplemental appropriations to 
respond to the attacks in Israel for the fiscal year ending September 
30, 2024, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 7217

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,  That the 
     following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the 
     Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year 
     ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, namely:

                                TITLE I

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

                           MILITARY PERSONNEL

                        Military Personnel, Army

       For an additional amount for ``Military Personnel, Army'', 
     $15,221,000, to remain available until September 30, 2024, to 
     respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That such amount 
     is designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement 
     pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                     Military Personnel, Air Force

       For an additional amount for ``Military Personnel, Air 
     Force'', $31,934,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2024, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That 
     such amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                       OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

                    Operation and Maintenance, Army

       For an additional amount for ``Operation and Maintenance, 
     Army'', $203,683,000, to remain available until December 31, 
     2024, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That 
     such amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                    Operation and Maintenance, Navy

       For an additional amount for ``Operation and Maintenance, 
     Navy'', $507,994,000, to remain available until December 31, 
     2024, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That 
     such amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps

       For an additional amount for ``Operation and Maintenance, 
     Marine Corps'', $11,094,000, to remain available until 
     December 31, 2024, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  
     Provided, That such amount is designated by the Congress as 
     an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) 
     of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.

                  Operation and Maintenance, Air Force

       For an additional amount for ``Operation and Maintenance, 
     Air Force'', $81,030,000, to remain available until December 
     31, 2024, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, 
     That such amount is designated by the Congress as an 
     emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of 
     the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.

                Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For an additional amount for ``Operation and Maintenance, 
     Defense-Wide'', $5,035,750,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2024, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  
     Provided, That of the total amount provided under this 
     heading in this Act, $4,400,000,000, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2025, may be transferred to accounts 
     under the headings ``Operation and Maintenance'' and 
     ``Procurement'' for replacement of defense articles from the 
     stocks of the Department of Defense, and for reimbursement 
     for defense services of the Department of Defense and 
     military education and training, provided to Israel or 
     identified and notified to Congress for provision to Israel:  
     Provided further, That funds transferred pursuant to the 
     previous proviso shall be merged with and available for the 
     same purposes and for the same time period as the 
     appropriations to which the funds are transferred:  Provided 
     further, That the Secretary of Defense shall notify the 
     congressional defense committees of the details of such 
     transfers not less than 15 days before any such transfer:  
     Provided further, That upon a determination that all or part 
     of the funds transferred from this appropriation are not 
     necessary for the purposes provided under this heading, such 
     amounts may be transferred back and merged with this 
     appropriation:  Provided further, That any transfer authority 
     provided under this heading is in addition to any other 
     transfer authority provided by law:  Provided further, That 
     such amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                              PROCUREMENT

                       Missile Procurement, Army

       For an additional amount for ``Missile Procurement, Army'', 
     $191,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026, 
     to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That such 
     amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                    Procurement of Ammunition, Army

       For an additional amount for ``Procurement of Ammunition, 
     Army'', $901,400,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2026, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That 
     such amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                        Other Procurement, Army

       For an additional amount for ``Other Procurement, Army'', 
     $283,800,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026, 
     to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That such 
     amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                       Weapons Procurement, Navy

       For an additional amount for ``Weapons Procurement, Navy'', 
     $10,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026, to 
     respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That such amount 
     is designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement 
     pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                        Other Procurement, Navy

       For an additional amount for ``Other Procurement, Navy'', 
     $163,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026, 
     to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That such 
     amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                       Procurement, Marine Corps

       For an additional amount for ``Procurement, Marine Corps'', 
     $31,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026, to 
     respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That such amount 
     is designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement 
     pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                     Missile Procurement, Air Force

       For an additional amount for ``Missile Procurement, Air 
     Force'', $39,524,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2026, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That 
     such amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                  Procurement of Ammunition, Air Force

       For an additional amount for ``Procurement of Ammunition, 
     Air Force'', $655,000, to remain available until September 
     30, 2026, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, 
     That such amount is designated by the Congress as an 
     emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of 
     the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.

                      Other Procurement, Air Force

       For an additional amount for ``Other Procurement, Air 
     Force'', $4,500,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2026, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That 
     such amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

[[Page H477]]

  


                       Procurement, Defense-Wide

       For an additional amount for ``Procurement, Defense-Wide'', 
     $5,341,516,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026, 
     to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That of the 
     total amount provided under this heading in this Act, 
     $5,200,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026, 
     shall be for the Secretary of Defense to provide to the 
     Government of Israel for the procurement of the Iron Dome, 
     David's Sling, and Iron Beam defense systems to counter 
     short-range rocket threats:  Provided further,  That such 
     funds shall be transferred pursuant to an exchange of letters 
     and are in addition to funds provided pursuant to the U.S.-
     Israel Iron Dome Procurement Agreement, as amended:  Provided 
     further, That nothing under this heading shall be construed 
     to apply to amounts made available in prior appropriations 
     Acts for the procurement of the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and 
     Iron Beam defense systems:  Provided further, That such 
     amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

               RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION

            Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army

       For an additional amount for ``Research, Development, Test 
     and Evaluation, Army'', $31,263,000, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2025, to respond to the attacks in 
     Israel:  Provided, That such amount is designated by the 
     Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
     251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985.

            Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy

       For an additional amount for ``Research, Development, Test 
     and Evaluation, Navy'', $105,000,000, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2025, to respond to the attacks in 
     Israel:  Provided, That such amount is designated by the 
     Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
     251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985.

         Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force

       For an additional amount for ``Research, Development, Test 
     and Evaluation, Air Force'', $61,660,000, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2025, to respond to the attacks in 
     Israel:  Provided, That such amount is designated by the 
     Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
     251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985.

        Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide

       For an additional amount for ``Research, Development, Test 
     and Evaluation, Defense-Wide'', $304,756,000, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2025, to respond to the attacks 
     in Israel, including for battle management software and 
     cooperation on defensive programs through emerging 
     technologies:  Provided, That such amount is designated by 
     the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
     251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985.

                     REVOLVING AND MANAGEMENT FUNDS

                     Defense Working Capital Funds

       For an additional amount for ``Defense Working Capital 
     Funds'', $549,800,000, to remain available until September 
     30, 2024, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  Provided, 
     That such amount is designated by the Congress as an 
     emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of 
     the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.

                  OTHER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROGRAMS

                         Defense Health Program

       For an additional amount for ``Defense Health Program'', 
     $1,150,000, to remain available until September 30, 2024, 
     which shall be for operation and maintenance to respond to 
     the attacks in Israel:  Provided, That such amount is 
     designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement 
     pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                     GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS TITLE

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 101.  Section 12001 of the Department of Defense 
     Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-287), as amended by 
     Public Law 115-141, is further amended as follows:
       (1) In paragraph (2) of subsection (a), by striking 
     ``armor'' and all that follows through the end of the 
     paragraph and inserting ``defense articles that are in the 
     inventory of the Department of Defense as of the date of 
     transfer, are intended for use as reserve stocks for Israel, 
     and are located in a stockpile for Israel as of the date of 
     transfer.''.
       (2) In subsection (b), by striking ``at least equal to the 
     fair market value of the items transferred'' and inserting 
     ``in an amount to be determined by the Secretary of 
     Defense''.
       (3) In subsection (c), by striking ``30 days'' and 
     inserting ``15 days'', and by inserting ``Appropriations,'' 
     after ``Committees on'' in each place it appears.
       Sec. 102.  During fiscal year 2024, section 514(b) of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h(b)) shall not 
     apply to defense articles to be set aside, earmarked, 
     reserved, or intended for use as reserve stocks in stockpiles 
     in the State of Israel.
       Sec. 103.  Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and every 30 days thereafter through 
     fiscal year 2025, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination 
     with the Secretary of State, shall provide a written report 
     to the Committees on Appropriations, Armed Services, and 
     Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committees on Appropriations, Armed Services, and Foreign 
     Relations of the Senate describing United States security 
     assistance provided to Israel since the October 7, 2023, 
     terrorist attack on Israel, including a comprehensive list of 
     the defense articles and services provided to Israel and the 
     associated authority and funding used to provide such 
     articles and services: Provided, That such report shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may be accompanied by a 
     classified annex.
       Sec. 104.  Concurrent with any notification of assistance 
     made pursuant to section 506(b)(1) of the Foreign Assistance 
     Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2318(b)(1)), the Secretary of Defense 
     shall submit a written notification to the congressional 
     defense committees that contains a description of the defense 
     articles and defense services to be furnished, including the 
     quantity, approximate value, and an estimate of the cost to 
     replace such article or an equivalent capability, and a 
     timeline for the delivery of such defense articles and 
     defense services.

                                TITLE II

                 DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY

                          DEPARTMENT OF STATE

                   Administration of Foreign Affairs

                          diplomatic programs

       For an additional amount for ``Diplomatic Programs'', 
     $150,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2025, 
     for responding to the attacks in Israel and areas impacted by 
     the attacks in Israel, including for crisis response and 
     relocation support for Mission Israel, of which $100,000,000 
     shall be available until expended for Worldwide Security 
     Protection to sustain requirements for Mission Israel and 
     other United States missions affected by the attacks in 
     Israel:  Provided,  That such amount is designated by the 
     Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
     251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985.

           emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service

       For an additional amount for ``Emergencies in the 
     Diplomatic and Consular Service'', $50,000,000, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2025, for emergency evacuation 
     of United States Government personnel and citizens in Israel 
     and in countries in the region impacted by the attacks in 
     Israel:  Provided, That such amount is designated by the 
     Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
     251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985.

                   INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President

                   foreign military financing program

       For an additional amount for ``Foreign Military Financing 
     Program'', $3,500,000,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2025, to respond to the attacks in Israel:  
     Provided, That funds made available under this heading in 
     this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the 
     Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs 
     for fiscal year 2024, in addition to funds otherwise 
     available for such purposes, may be used by the Department of 
     State for necessary expenses for the general costs of 
     administering military assistance and sales, including 
     management and oversight of such programs and activities:  
     Provided further, That, to the extent that the Government of 
     Israel requests that funds be used for such purposes, grants 
     made available for Israel under this heading shall, as agreed 
     by the United States and Israel, be available for advanced 
     weapons systems, of which up to $3,500,000,000 may be 
     available for the procurement in Israel of defense articles 
     and defense services:  Provided further, That any 
     congressional notification requirement applicable to funds 
     made available under this heading for Israel may be waived if 
     a determination is made that extraordinary circumstances 
     exist that impact the national security of the United States: 
      Provided further, That such amount is designated by the 
     Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
     251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985.

                     GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS TITLE

       Sec. 201. (a) During fiscal year 2024, and subject to 
     subsection (b), section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance 
     Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2318(a)(1)) shall be applied by 
     substituting ``$2,500,000,000'' for ``$100,000,000''.
       (b) Subsection (a) shall not take effect unless the 
     Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate 
     congressional committees that the exercise of the authority 
     of such subsection is necessary to respond to the situation 
     in Israel.
       Sec. 202.  Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to 
     the Committees on Appropriations a report on the proposed 
     uses of funds appropriated by this title to respond to the 
     situation in Israel: Provided, That such report shall be 
     updated and submitted to such Committees every 60 days 
     thereafter until September 30, 2025, and every 180 days

[[Page H478]]

     thereafter until all funds have been expended, and shall 
     include information detailing how estimates and assumptions 
     contained in previous reports have changed, including 
     obligations and expenditures.

                               TITLE III

                      GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT

       Sec. 301.  Each amount appropriated or made available by 
     this Act is in addition to amounts otherwise appropriated for 
     the fiscal year involved.
       Sec. 302.  No part of any appropriation contained in this 
     Act shall remain available for obligation beyond the current 
     fiscal year unless expressly so provided herein.
       Sec. 303.  Unless otherwise provided for by this Act, the 
     additional amounts appropriated by this Act to appropriations 
     accounts shall be available under the authorities and 
     conditions applicable to such appropriations accounts for 
     fiscal year 2024.
       Sec. 304.  Each amount designated in this Act by the 
     Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
     251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985 shall be available (or rescinded or 
     transferred, if applicable) only if the President 
     subsequently so designates all such amounts and transmits 
     such designations to the Congress.
       Sec. 305.  Any amount appropriated by this Act, designated 
     by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to 
     section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985 and subsequently so designated by 
     the President, and transferred pursuant to transfer 
     authorities provided by this Act shall retain such 
     designation.
        This Act may be cited as the ``Israel Security 
     Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Calvert) and the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. 
DeLauro) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the measure under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer H. Res. 7217, the Israel Security 
Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024. This bill provides $17.6 
billion in emergency supplemental appropriations, which will provide 
needed military assistance to America's great ally, Israel, and support 
U.S. military forces operating in the region.
  On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out a brutal, unprovoked terrorist 
attack on the people of Israel. The horrific acts committed on this day 
resulted in 1,200 deaths, thousands injured, and 240 hostages, 136 of 
whom remain in captivity, and over 30 are believed to be dead.
  The Israeli people are still reeling from the horrors of October 7, 
but they have bravely pushed their sorrow aside to root out and fight 
Hamas and ensure that their people are never threatened again.
  Last November, the House passed a $14.3 billion supplemental to shore 
up our ally. The bill included:
  $5.2 billion in missile defense systems such as Iron Dome, David's 
Sling, and Iron Beam;
  $4.4 billion to backfill U.S. stocks;
  $1 billion for U.S. munitions production, such as 155 rounds and 
small diameter bombs;
  $3.5 billion for foreign military financing of U.S. systems and 
munitions; and
  $200 million for the protection of U.S. personnel and emergency 
evacuations of American citizens in the region as a result of this 
conflict.
  These requirements remain unchanged and are aligned with the Biden 
administration's supplemental request. They are included, again, in the 
bill we are considering today.
  Unfortunately, the situation in the Middle East has continued to 
deteriorate since November. The Houthis have launched dozens of 
missile, drone, and boat attacks on military and civil ships in the Red 
Sea.
  On January 28, three U.S. soldiers were killed and 40 were injured by 
a drone attack at a military base in Jordan caused by an Iranian-backed 
militia. Just this morning, the Houthis fired missiles at two civilian 
ships in Yemen, one British and one American. We are putting our 
military in an untenable situation, and attacks continue to escalate.
  Now, we must act to shore up our ally, Israel, and provide our 
military with the resources they need to protect our troops in the 
region.
  The new funding in this bill addresses that changing reality by 
providing $3.3 billion for U.S. military operations in the region 
funded through December 2024. This includes $1 billion for low-cost 
defensive capabilities to thwart future attacks on U.S. forces in the 
region.
  In many instances, we have been intercepting low-cost Iranian-backed 
drones with multimillion-dollar missiles. This funding will protect our 
forces and put us on the right side of the cost curve.
  This funding bill resupplies Israel's defensive capabilities, 
restores America's defense industry to replenish our stocks, funds 
necessary operations for our forces in the region, and sends a strong 
signal that the United States will not back down.
  I am grateful for the support of Chairwoman Granger, Chairman Diaz-
Balart, Republican leadership, and the dozens of Members who have 
cosponsored this bill. I am also grateful for the support expressed by 
many of my friends across the aisle. We have an opportunity today to 
come together and send a strong message that the United States stands 
with Israel.
  I want to address the position of the Democratic leadership, 
including President Biden's veto threat. Assertions that this bill 
plays politics are patently false. Last November, Democrats said they 
wanted a clean bill. That is exactly what this is. This bill simply 
provides necessary resources to our closest ally in the region and our 
own military. I introduced this bill because it is the right thing to 
do. The only people making it political are those who oppose it.
  Tomorrow is the 4-month anniversary of the horrific October 7 
terrorist attack, which is an act of war. Israel knows that we stand 
with them, and today we can send a clear message that we support their 
efforts to eradicate Hamas, the only way to truly bring peace to the 
region.
  Likewise, our American military men and women should know their 
government stands fully behind them as they respond to these numerous 
attacks. Terrorists and those supporting them should have no question 
of American resolve.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support the Israel Security 
Supplemental Appropriations Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, 122 days ago, Hamas terrorists murdered over 1,000 
Israelis and at least 30 Americans in cold blood. They took hundreds 
hostage in the worst attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust.
  President Biden's supplemental funding request for Israel, Ukraine, 
the Indo-Pacific, and for our border has gone all but completely 
unanswered by this historic do-nothing majority. For months our 
colleagues in the majority insisted that any foreign assistance bill 
must include border policy changes. So spoke Speaker Johnson at the 
White House several months ago, and he said that we needed a bipartisan 
border security agreement that would open and unlock the door for funds 
for foreign assistance.

  Yet, Republicans have rejected a bipartisan bill that would 
accomplish exactly what they have asked for.
  While declaring that bill dead on arrival in the House, the majority 
has opted to consider a bill that we know the President will veto. This 
is a political stunt that makes it less likely that Israel gets its 
funds while endangering U.S. national security. This accomplishes 
nothing and delays aid getting out to our allies and providing 
humanitarian relief.
  Our allies cannot wait, our border communities cannot wait, and our 
cities cannot wait.
  I wholeheartedly support funding for Israel. I have written aid to 
Israel supplemental appropriations over the last several years. 
However, I cannot support this bill which falls dangerously short of 
what this moment calls for. Our allies are facing existential threats, 
and our friends and foes around the globe are watching and waiting to 
see how America will respond.

[[Page H479]]

  Putin is watching, Xi is watching, and the Ayatollah Khamenei is 
watching. Russia, China, and Iran are watching, and our allies are 
watching.
  This bill does not provide a penny in humanitarian assistance. We 
cannot abandon the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of these 
conflicts, particularly in Gaza. The costs of Hamas' rule over Gaza and 
the war against Israel are borne by innocent Palestinians. Israel's 
harsh response has raised these costs further. Families and children 
are facing unthinkable circumstances. Millions are facing starvation 
because of this conflict. No one with clear eyes would say otherwise.
  Furthermore, if this bill were to become law, there is no path to 
support Ukraine. We are witnessing the first land war in Europe in a 
generation, and through inaction, this Congress is handing a sovereign 
nation over to a ruthless autocrat jeopardizing U.S. national security. 
Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine. If he overtakes Ukraine and moves against 
a NATO ally, then we will see U.S. troops in a ground war.
  If we do not provide Ukraine with what they need, then the ultimate 
legacy of the 118th Congress will be the appeasement of a dictator and 
the destruction of a free nation.
  Our allies and our enemies in Europe and around the globe will know 
that the United States is no longer a trusted partner in the security 
of the free world. Yet, we know that a supermajority of this body 
supports Ukraine.
  There are unquestionably more than 218 votes in the House for a 
supplemental appropriations bill that includes Israel, humanitarian 
assistance, Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific assistance. Yet, House 
Republicans are refusing to take that path. The Senate bill acts now to 
address the border that is in crisis. The status quo is unacceptable, 
but Republicans say no to moving forward.
  We should reject this unserious effort, this political ploy, and 
insist on a bipartisan product that supports our allies and protects 
the integrity of our border.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, this is a bipartisan effort. This is a 
bipartisan bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. 
Granger), who is the chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee.
  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7217, a 
bill that will provide additional support for Israel, and I want to 
thank Chairman Calvert for the leadership on this bill that he has 
given.
  Nearly 4 months ago, we watched Hamas brutally attack the Israeli 
people. Unfortunately, the situation in the region has only gotten 
worse. Israel, and now U.S. forces, have been attacked by terrorist 
groups backed by Iran. Funding is needed to address the growing threats 
we face.
  The bill before us provides a total of $17.6 billion in emergency 
resources. Specifically, the bill includes funding for Iron Dome, 
David's Sling, Iron Beam defense systems, and other weapons through the 
foreign military financing program.
  To ensure that U.S. support does not impact our own military 
readiness, the bill restocks the items we have already sent to Israel. 
It is also providing $3.3 billion to support our military operations in 
the region.
  Now more than ever, we must stand firm with Israel. The bill sends a 
strong message that the United States supports our great ally.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the 
important bill.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), who is the ranking member of the Defense 
Subcommittee.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member DeLauro for 
yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, our Nation faces two immense national security 
challenges, and Congress must address them both: Russia's illegal and 
unjust invasion of Ukraine, which threatens their territorial integrity 
and the security of Europe; and Israel's response to the Hamas 
terrorist attacks on October 7, which has spiraled into a regional 
conflict between the United States and Iranian proxies.
  Tragically, three U.S. servicemembers have lost their lives in this 
conflict.
  Our Nation and the world need decisive action from Congress. The 
Hamas attacks of October 7 were barbaric, and Israel does have the 
right to defend itself.
  I have long supported missile defense priorities like Iron Dome in 
the Defense Appropriations bill, but this is not the way to get more 
aid to Israel.
  The Senate and the White House do not support this action. This bill 
was introduced to get ahead of the Senate's bipartisan security 
supplemental which does address all of our national security 
priorities. The Republican House bill plays politics with our national 
security, and that is wrong. It is a nonstarter for those of us who 
seriously want to address these crises in a comprehensive manner.
  Here is how we do that: We do provide the assistance to Israel, but 
it is equally as important to get more lifesaving humanitarian aid into 
Gaza because if we don't, then the situation for civilians will 
continue to deteriorate; starvation will grow, disease will spread, and 
Palestinian civilians, most of them children, will continue to suffer, 
and many will die.

                              {time}  1715

  Because of this, Israel's security situation will worsen if we don't 
do the humanitarian aid.
  We need to support our national priorities around the world. Our 
servicemembers are working nonstop to defend commercial shipping routes 
and deter broader regional conflicts with Iran. They deserve our 
support.
  We must provide additional security assistance to Ukraine. The 
situation there is desperate, Mr. Speaker. Ukrainian civilians will 
continue to be murdered, and their military faces a serious shortage of 
ammunition. We must remedy that.
  Congress cannot afford to ignore any of these challenges because 
America cannot afford to ignore them.
  We must lead. The Republican majority, in my opinion, is failing to 
do just that. If we fail here, the national security consequences we 
will face abroad are that we will leave both Israel and U.S. troops in 
the Middle East in a more dangerous position when it comes to Iranian 
activities; we will condemn more Palestinian civilians in Gaza to die; 
and we will doom the Ukrainian people to face a dark future with their 
democratic aspirations crushed by Putin's boot.
  We will leave our European allies, who have just approved a 50-
billion-euro package for Ukraine, to face a resurgent Russian military 
on their borders.
  The majority has left us no choice but to vote ``no.''
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today is regarding 
Israel. We have time to debate Ukraine at a later date, but today, this 
is regarding aid to Israel, which we need to do immediately.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. 
Womack), a member of the Appropriations Committee's Defense 
Subcommittee and chairman of the Appropriations Committee's Financial 
Services and General Government Subcommittee.
  Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Chairman Calvert, for 
giving me an opportunity to speak on this very vital piece of 
legislation.
  It is our solemn duty, Mr. Speaker, to protect our allies and defeat 
our common enemies. I think we have agreement on both sides of the 
aisle that we need to do that.
  On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal attack on our friends in 
Israel. We have all seen the carnage, the assessment of damage, and the 
terrific loss of life in Israel.
  This unwarranted and unprovoked attack was a cruel display of the 
worst of humanity. We should all agree to that.
  Israel is a stabilizing force in the Middle East. It has to be 
supported at all costs.
  From my time as a commander of forces in the Sinai Peninsula, where I 
had a close working relationship with the IDF, to my time as a Member 
of Congress on this important subcommittee, I have always been a strong 
supporter of Israel and will continue to advocate on its behalf.
  This $17.6 billion appropriated will save Israeli lives, and it will 
work to

[[Page H480]]

defeat Hamas terrorists. The funding will replenish and procure 
advanced weapon systems, defense articles, and defense services. It 
will provide for the procurement of the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and 
Iron Beam defense systems to combat short-range rockets and support 
U.S. military operations in Israel.
  Mr. Speaker, in short, we need to pass this bill. I encourage all of 
my colleagues to take a serious look at it. Pass the bill. Let's get it 
to the Senate and get it to the White House.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), the ranking member of the Military 
Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support Israel's 
absolute right to exist, to defend itself, and to bring home its 
citizens--and ours--who are still held captive after 122 days.
  Over those 122 days, President Biden has firmly backed Israel's 
response to genocidal Hamas terror. He helped free over 100 hostages 
and continues working tirelessly to bring them all home. He has 
forcefully countered malign forces who attack our troops and oppose any 
future peace.
  Meanwhile, for 122 days, Republicans have ignored President Biden's 
urgent request: Safeguard our democracy and our allies from adversaries 
who seek chaos, death, and destruction.
  This abdication of responsibility fails our constituents, our allies, 
and our national security interests.
  After months of waiting, I won't hesitate to vote for Israel's 
defense in this moment of crisis.
  I am enraged that Republicans are playing political games, caving to 
Trump and the extreme fringe of their party at the expense of our most 
sacred national obligations. They cynically pound the table about Iran, 
but they are suddenly blind to Putin's wrath in Ukraine and deaf to 
Xi's threats against Taiwan. They callously disregard the humanitarian 
tragedy facing Gazans, who are also victims of Hamas, eroding our 
credibility and undermining future prospects for a just and lasting 
peace.
  I am appalled that after 3,300 anti-Semitic attacks in this country 
in just 3 months, they will pass a dozen nonbinding resolutions only to 
turn around and defund basic protections for Jewish Americans.
  We could have passed the President's emergency request months ago in 
a massive bipartisan show of strength. Instead, Republicans are 
needlessly weaponizing these vital efforts to score cheap political 
points.
  It took far too long to get here. Yet, this bill still falls short of 
our needs.
  As a Jew and proud Zionist, my conscience demands that I vote with 
Israel in her hour of need in this moment of crisis. I won't pretend 
this bill comes close to meeting our security needs.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Murphy).
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 7217, the 
Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act.
  In the face of terror and absolute unprovoked aggression, Israel is 
in the fight for its existence. The United States must not shirk its 
duty and must support Israel. Israel has the absolute right to exist.
  Mr. Speaker, the world is essentially on fire. If you do not combat 
dictators, if you do not combat terrorists, we are shirking our duty.
  Today, with the United States being Israel's greatest ally, we must 
support them. We already sent the Senate a support bill. We sent them a 
support bill for Israel. We did that barely a month after the Hamas 
attack on October 7.
  What have Senator Schumer and Senate Democrats done? They have sat on 
it. Now, they want to send us a bill to try to fix their crisis at the 
border in the guise of support for Israel.
  By the way, their crisis at the border, President Biden's crisis at 
the border, has cost this Nation $450 billion. That pales in comparison 
to the $17 billion that we are asking for Israel.
  We don't need gimmicks. We don't need a bill, which hasn't even been 
passed by the Senate, that will allow more and more illegals to come 
into this country. What we need is a singular bill to support Israel, 
our greatest ally.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 7217.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Lois Frankel), a member of the Appropriations Committee.
  Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this 
bill for emergency funding for Israel and for U.S. military operations 
in the Middle East.
  On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists brutally attacked Israel, 
murdering, maiming, and raping innocent women, men, and children, and 
taking 240 hostages, many who remain in dark tunnels being starved and 
abused.
  Adding fuel to the fire, Iran proxies are shooting rockets into 
Israel, jeopardizing commerce in the Red Sea and killing American 
soldiers on military bases.
  Funds from this bill will enable Israel to defend itself and the U.S. 
to protect our own military personnel.
  Mr. Speaker, I recognize and respect the concern of friends who 
support Israel but want other also important issues to be addressed.
  Mr. Speaker, the perfect should not be the enemy of the good.
  Let me be clear: My vote will be for what is in this proposed bill 
and not a rebuke of what is left out.
  I fear that a divided Congress will embolden Israel's adversaries and 
put our own military in harm's way. Israel's security is our security.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand with Israel. I stand with humanity. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Lawler).
  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.''
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to direct their remarks 
to the Chair.

[[Page H481]]

  

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Himes), the ranking member of the Intelligence 
Committee.
  Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, maybe I can help my confused friend from New 
York so that he might understand what is at stake here and why 
Democrats are going to vote ``no.''
  I stand here with some trepidation because, for a decade and a half, 
I have stood here and proudly voted to support Israel, and Israel has 
been attacked. I know that we will pass Israel aid.
  Make no mistake, what we are seeing today is a profoundly cynical 
political maneuver. For my friend from New York, let me explain it.
  Mr. Calvert, Ms. DeLauro, and I were in the White House when the 
Speaker--all of 2 days as Speaker of the House--looked at the National 
Security Advisor and said that we will do border first, Ukraine, 
Taiwan, and Israel. He demanded that. The White House said, no, we 
shouldn't bind those things up because that creates the possibility 
that we don't get any of that done.
  Then, we made very real progress. We have a bipartisan package that 
does all of those things. It counters Putin's murderousness in Ukraine, 
supports Taiwan, stands with Israel, and provides humanitarian aid. It 
offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do a border and 
immigration deal, an immigration deal that the Border Patrol union has 
endorsed.

                              {time}  1730

  My Republican colleagues trot out the Border Patrol every day and 
say, look at these poor guys.
  The Border Patrol union has endorsed this bill. This should pass. It 
is a historic opportunity to stand up for what we believe as Americans, 
but then something happened. Donald Trump called.
  Donald Trump called the Speaker, and the Speaker said it. He said, we 
know how he feels about Ukraine. He said, don't do the border deal, a 
border deal negotiated with one of the most conservative Senators in 
the United States Senate.
  Mr. Calvert, Ms. DeLauro, and I heard Mitch McConnell say: This is a 
better deal than we get if Donald Trump is President and we have the 
House and the Senate, but Donald Trump called.
  I need to put another name out there: Neville Chamberlain, 1938, 
``peace for our time'' because he kowtowed to a dictator. That is what 
is at stake.
  We will hang the legacy of Neville Chamberlain around our necks if we 
don't seize this historic opportunity to do a comprehensive security 
bill and reject this political cynical maneuver.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, the House was excluded from all 
negotiations regarding the Senate supplemental, and today we are 
talking about assistance to Israel that is needed immediately.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North 
Carolina (Mr. Rouzer).
  Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill 
authored by my good friend from California,   Ken Calvert.
  This legislation provides additional security assistance to ensure 
Israel, our greatest Middle Eastern ally, survives the most significant 
threats to its existence to date.
  The Jewish people are confronting the unspeakable evil of Hamas, 
which perpetrated a callous, barbaric attack against the State of 
Israel, and continues to hold more than 132 people hostage in Gaza, 
including fellow Americans.
  Israel needs our support to ensure they can win this war and bring 
every hostage home, as well as counter the other threats to their 
national security. This bill reaffirms the United States' strong 
commitment to supporting the people of Israel by providing critical 
funding to reinforce the Israeli defense system and does so without 
compromising our own readiness.
  In addition, it ensures our ability to protect U.S. citizens and 
personnel in Israel. We cannot, and must not, turn our back on our 
ally. Doing so would only embolden Hamas, incentivize Iran to continue 
funding ruthless attacks on Israel, and weaken the security of American 
personnel in the region, not to mention the harm it would eventually 
bring to our own Nation here at home.
  We either ensure that Israel has the resources to win, or we will 
eventually be forced to fight the same enemies here. Those who want to 
annihilate Israel wish to do the same to America.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Schneider).
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, Israel is fighting an existential war 
against Hamas, a death cult dedicated to the genocide of Jews and the 
annihilation of the Jewish state, while also being attacked by 
Hezbollah, the IRGC and Iranian proxies, and Houthis.
  There is no question that the United States must support our ally, 
Israel, but to my colleagues, I say it is folly to think that what is 
happening now in the Middle East is not connected to what is happening 
concurrently in Ukraine.
  If Ukraine falls, the aid we are providing Israel in this bill is 
only going to be a small downpayment to what will be needed when Israel 
faces a strengthened Hezbollah, backed by an emboldened Iran, 
encouraged by a newly-empowered Russia.
  And the United States will likely need to spend billions of 
additional dollars stationing more U.S. troops alongside our NATO 
allies in Europe.
  We are selling ourselves and our allies short by not taking the 
responsibility of leadership this country should be taking. If we don't 
continue, it is going to cost our kids and our kids' future.
  It is shameful that the Republicans and Speaker Johnson are using our 
most important ally, Israel, as a political cudgel. It threatens not 
only Israel's security, but America's security and our children's 
future.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden).
  Mr. VAN ORDEN. Mr. Speaker, I remind my colleague that, in fact, I 
agree with him this one time. These events are connected, and the 
connection is the incredibly weak strategy the Biden administration has 
shown. That is why Putin invaded Ukraine and that is why Hamas has gone 
crazy in Israel.
  Immediately following the attacks of October 7, I went to Israel and 
I witnessed what Hamas did to the Jewish people, and as a retired Navy 
SEAL combat medic, it put me on my heels.
  I will remind my colleagues on the other side of the aisle that there 
was a cease-fire on October 6; that there was a de facto two-state 
solution on October 6, and that was broken by Hamas. Unlike the vast 
majority of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I spent my 
entire adult life either training for, training others for, or at war 
myself.
  There is a difference between the conflict in Ukraine and what is 
taking place in Israel right now. Vladimir Putin is a war criminal, and 
he is after territorial gains. Hamas is a group of savages that are 
after the utter destruction of the Jews as a people. They want to 
eradicate them.
  There is a Member of the other party that has been censured on this 
floor for grossly anti-Semitic remarks, and that is what is taking 
place.
  Do not be fooled by this political rhetoric. I stand with the Jewish 
people now. I will stand with them from the beginning to the end, so 
the river to the sea never takes place.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Khanna).
  Mr. KHANNA. Mr. Speaker, I will vote ``no'' today on the $17 billion 
aid package which provides a blank check to Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and 
the extreme rightwing government in Israel.
  How dare Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister, have the gall 
to criticize America while calling for the mass expulsion of 
Palestinians?
  I will vote ``no'' because this bill includes zero humanitarian aid 
while children are dying and 400,000 Gazans face famine.
  I will vote ``no'' because this bill undermines human rights and 
international law, ignoring the recent ICJ decision calling on Israel 
to do more to protect Palestinian civilians.
  I will vote ``no'' because it is painfully obvious to the entire 
world that what is needed today is a permanent cease-fire and the 
release of all hostages.

[[Page H482]]

  There come moments in a Nation's history when our actions reveal our 
values. This is such a moment. We must stand for stopping the bombing, 
for ending this brutal war, and for justice in the Middle East with a 
Palestinian state with equal rights living side by side with Israel.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Ocasio-Cortez).
  Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ. Mr. Speaker, more than 1,200 Israelis were killed 
on October 7 and 136 remain hostage. In response, 27,478 Palestinians 
have been killed, 70 percent of whom are women and children, and most 
Gazans today cannot reach a fully functioning hospital.
  This is not war; this is slaughter.
  And yet, after all this destruction and devastation, the Netanyahu 
government is still nowhere close to their stated objective of 
destroying Hamas.
  Moreover, the United States has our own requirements outlawing the 
transfer of weapons to forces engaged in gross human rights violations. 
We have a responsibility to honor those laws, to facilitate a bilateral 
cease-fire, to move to end this campaign of mass casualty and loss of 
life that risk bringing the entire region closer to a wider, deadlier 
conflict.
  This bill contains $17 billion on top of the billions we already 
transfer every year with no conditions and no humanitarian aid for the 
most vulnerable. Everyday Americans should not tolerate this 
squandering of our resources without oversight on such an inhumane and 
ineffective operation, especially when we are living paycheck to 
paycheck, and they cannot see their Congress address their most basic 
material concerns.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Michigan (Ms. Tlaib).
  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, here we go again, sending $17.6 billion of 
U.S. tax dollars with no conditions attached to Netanyahu's extremist 
government to drop more bombs on innocent Palestinians.
  The Israeli Government has already killed 27,000 people, 11,500 of 
whom were children.
  I am tired of my colleagues coming to me, whispering: I don't really 
like Netanyahu. Well, then, why are we sending him billions of dollars 
with no conditions?
  He literally is telling us over and over again what his intention is.
  I am tired of my colleagues coming to me and whispering to me: 
Rashida, I support a two-state solution. Great. Then send money that 
has conditions for a two-state solution because Netanyahu has over and 
over again told us he never wants to see a Palestinian state.
  I am tired. I oppose Netanyahu's war crimes and want him gone, too, 
but many of my colleagues that continue to tell me that do not want a 
condition to aid. They will just give it to a genocidal maniac.
  My message to my colleagues is simple: If you don't support 
Netanyahu, if you are disgusted by the countless videos of lifeless 
children pulled out of the rubble, if you actually believe in upholding 
human rights and international law, vote ``no'' on a blank check to 
Netanyahu's genocide.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, the folks that believe in genocide is 
Hamas.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida 
(Mr. Diaz-Balart), the Chairman of the State and Foreign Operations 
Subcommittee.
  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank the gentleman from 
California, Chairman Calvert, for his leadership in drafting this 
critical bill, along with Chairwoman Kay Granger and the leadership for 
bringing this forward.
  Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Calvert just said, yes, there has been genocide, 
but the genocide has been from Hamas.
  If the world needed yet another reminder of the importance of Israel 
as a safe haven for the Jewish people, then the attacks of October 7 
should be that wake-up call.
  This is not that complicated. I have been disgusted and shocked by 
some of the things we have been hearing, including the sheer glee 
displayed in celebrations even in this country because of the murders 
on October 7.
  Remember, those grotesque celebrations and demonstrations happened 
before Israel even began its military action to defend Israelis in 
Gaza.
  Let's be clear: Those demonstrations, those statements, those 
celebrations were and are in favor of the terrorist group Hamas. The 
despicable anti-Semitism which has dramatically increased since October 
7, that we have even seen here sometimes on this floor, has to be 
condemned and has to stop.
  Israel is on the front line in the battle against terrorism--the 
terrorists of Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, you name it. All of them continue 
to wait for an opportunity to strike at Israel, as they have, just like 
they want to strike here at the American people of the United States.

  Israel and the United States do not want violence, but the problem is 
that the terrorists do, and they are the ones who have killed and 
butchered and maimed innocent Israelis.
  Last November, the House passed another Israel security supplemental, 
which was fully offset by a rescission of the IRS funding, and that was 
the reason why the White House claimed that they opposed that bill.
  Now, there are zero excuses to oppose this bill. This bill does one 
thing, Mr. Speaker. It provides urgently needed funding for our friend 
and ally, Israel, to defeat the terrorists that they are dealing with. 
The United States must stand with Israel to eradicate terrorism.
  This is not that complicated. You can use every excuse in the world 
with the purpose of supporting Hamas and justifying the murders. This 
bill stands with Israel--no ifs, no ands, no buts.
  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to Chairman Calvert for bringing this 
important piece of legislation, and I wholeheartedly support it.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Lee), the distinguished ranking member of the State and 
Foreign Operations Subcommittee.

                              {time}  1745

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for 
yielding and for her strong, strong leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose H.R. 7217. The United States and the 
world are facing a very dangerous time, with the risk of being pulled 
deeper and deeper into conflicts across the globe. Meanwhile, millions 
of people around the world are facing violence, dislocation, and 
hunger. This bill really is not a serious effort.
  As the ranking member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related 
Programs Subcommittee, I cannot support a bill that fails to meet the 
challenges of this moment and abandons those most in need of 
humanitarian assistance. Yes, this bill undermines the United States' 
policy which supports a two-state solution. This bill is a blatant 
political stunt that is dead on arrival in the Senate, and so I urge my 
colleagues to oppose it.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining on 
both sides.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Ellzey). The gentleman from California 
has 30 seconds remaining.
  The gentlewoman from Connecticut has 2 minutes remaining.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time to close.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, a short while ago, my colleague from 
Arkansas said it is our solemn duty to protect our allies. Indeed, it 
is our solemn duty to protect our allies. Our ally in this case is 
Israel, yes, and we support Israel. Our ally is Ukraine, and we need to 
continue to support Ukraine. Our ally is Taiwan, and we need to support 
Taiwan.
  We have a solemn duty, yes, to provide humanitarian assistance to 
innocent civilians. We have a solemn duty to protect our border. These 
are not the issues that are part of this bill. This bill does not meet 
those solemn obligations.
  My Republican colleagues do not want to help Ukraine or the Indo-
Pacific and Taiwan. They do not want to address border security. They 
talked about border security as being the key to opening up the door to 
foreign assistance. They said it in the White House--the Speaker did 
that--and now they have walked away from it. It is really a political 
sham. They do not

[[Page H483]]

want to promote humanitarian assistance and leave millions of innocent 
civilians without food, shelter, and clothing.
  When I asked about Gaza in a conversation with the Director of the 
World Food Programme, Cynthia McCain, she said to me: Rosa, these 
people are starving. It is a famine. I believe that in this process of 
providing assistance to just Israel and not our other allies, they do 
hurt Israel and isolate Israel. It is time for my colleagues on the 
other side of the aisle to put our country and our national security 
ahead of partisan politics. What we should do is to vote this bill 
down.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to 
close.
  The gentlewoman is correct. This bill is not about Ukraine or 
INDOPACOM or some other things that I would love to have some 
discussions about in the future. This is about Israel.
  I think my friends on the other side of the aisle know I am not a 
cynical person. I have been in favor of moving an Israel bill for some 
time, and now is the time. I think it is just simply the right thing to 
do.
  Let's pass this bill. Let's support Israel.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7217, the Israel 
Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. As tensions grow in the 
Middle East, the state of affairs is becoming increasingly dangerous 
for the Israeli people and United States servicemembers. Israel is our 
strongest ally in the Middle East, and the Israeli people are still 
recovering from the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks. This 
standalone Israel supplemental package ensures our great ally has the 
resources and tools they need to defeat Hamas, as well as provide 
important funding for our military forces in the region to deter 
terrorists and other enemies. The United States must send a clear 
message to the rest of the world--that we will continue to stand with 
Israel. I proudly support that message and will vote yes on this 
legislation. I encourage my colleagues to stand with our great ally 
Israel, and vote yes on this bill.
  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, and still I rise. Let me be 
absolutely clear, I vehemently oppose the ideology and actions of Hamas 
as demonstrated by my vote in favor of H. Res. 793, which, among other 
things, condemned Hamas for attacking Israel, taking hostages, and for 
threatening hostages. Moreover, I have voted in favor of over $50 
billion in funding for Israel. The Israeli people have suffered a grave 
injustice. However, committing an injustice in the name of justice is 
still an injustice. We must take care not to fall into the belief that 
any action taken in war is justified, especially the mass killing of 
innocent Palestinian babies when war has been declared on Hamas.
  Today, I am compelled to vote against the Israel Supplemental 
Legislation that Speaker Johnson brought to the floor. I take this 
stance because of the humanitarian disaster that now exists in Gaza. 
This bill's narrow focus on only providing military aid to Israel, with 
no accompanying humanitarian aid for the innocent civilians of Gaza, is 
unconscionable. I cannot ignore the men, women, and especially children 
in Gaza who are suffering through catastrophic conditions resulting 
from Israel's war on Hamas. Babies have lost their parents and parents 
have lost their children to artillery and bombs that were paid for in 
whole or in part because of U.S. funds provided to Israel. I will not 
be complicit in the slaughter of innocent babies. Furthermore, the mass 
destruction in Gaza has resulted in the decimation of homes and 
infrastructure and has made Gaza unlivable.
  The lack of meaningful humanitarian aid from this legislation at a 
time when Gazan civilians are at risk of starvation, disease, and death 
is unconscionable. For these and other reasons, I oppose this 
legislation.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 7217.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

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