[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 64 (Monday, April 15, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2727-S2728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                 Israel

  Madam President, on another matter, as we all know over the weekend 
Iran dramatically escalated its twilight war against Israel and the 
West. Tehran fired more than 300 drones and ballistic missiles at the 
Jewish State. These were launched from Iranian soil, as well as by 
proxy groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
  For years, Iranian proxies have launched attacks on Israel, and a 
number of terrorist groups--including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis--
are the means by which Iran has prosecuted this war against Israel and 
the West.
  This weekend's attacks were a stunning escalation because this is the 
first time that these attacks have been directly from Iranian soil 
against Israel.
  But despite the impressive firepower, the impact of the barrage 
proved to be minimal. An Israeli military base sustained minor damage, 
and several people were injured, but so far no fatalities have been 
reported--amazing given the firepower directed at Israel.
  Iran's failure to devastate Israel was not just a stroke of good 
luck; it was the direct result of Israel's strong defense, supported by 
the United States and others, and its close cooperation and work with 
its allies. The vast majority of threats were intercepted outside of 
Israeli airspace, demonstrating the effectiveness of Israel's air 
defense systems.
  And a number of Israel's partners and allies--including the United 
States, the United Kingdom, France, and several Gulf countries--aided 
Israel's defense against the direct fire coming from Iran.
  On Saturday, President Biden quickly condemned Iran's attack, and he 
spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America's ironclad 
commitment to the security of Israel. So far so good.
  But despite that encouraging and entirely appropriate statement, 
media reports indicate that President Biden's support may not be as 
resolute as those words indicate. Axios reported that President Biden 
told Prime Minister Netanyahu that the United States will not--will 
not--support Israel's counterstrikes against Iran. In other words, any 
attempt to impose consequences on Iran for raining down 300 drones and 
ballistic missiles on Israel will go unanswered.
  That is hardly an example of ironclad support. By attaching 
conditions to America's commitment, President Biden has undermined 
deterrence. He has shown that his administration is more concerned 
about placating the Supreme Leader than in protecting Israel. And when 
it comes to Iran, there is simply no benefit to applying anything less 
than maximum pressure because it is the only thing that the Supreme 
Leader understands.
  Iran, after all, is a No. 1 state sponsor of terrorism and one of our 
country's most brazen and dangerous adversaries,

[[Page S2728]]

working deliberately and continuously toward acquiring nuclear weapon 
capability.
  Tehran is testing the limits to see how far it can push, and 
President Biden has consistently failed to push back on the Iranian 
regime. Given the President's tepid response, Congress needs to take 
action soon to provide Israel with the military aid it needs to defend 
its sovereignty.
  After all, more than 6 months have passed since Hamas terrorists 
attacked Israeli civilians, and the United States has failed to act on 
their request for assistance. It was last November, less than a month 
after the October 7 attack, that the House actually passed a $14 
billion aid bill for Israel. That was last November. But, regrettably, 
the majority leader refused to even put that bill on the Senate floor. 
We could have provided aid to Israel 5 months ago, but the majority 
leader wouldn't allow Senators to proceed to debate, amend, or even 
vote on that legislation.
  It is true that the Senate did pass a security supplemental in 
February that includes support for Israel, as well as Ukraine and 
partners in the Indo-Pacific, but, so far, that bill has not gone 
anywhere in the House. I hope that will change soon.
  Given Iran's escalation this weekend, we need to find a path forward 
to deliver that necessary aid to Israel and our other allies who have 
been invaded by authoritarian governments. Tensions in the Middle East 
continue to escalate and a regional war between Iran and Israel is no 
longer unthinkable. We need to take action as soon as possible to 
provide Israel with the material support it needs to defend its 
democracy and not place handcuffs on their ability to establish 
deterrence against the Iranian regime.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Butler). The Senator from Oregon.