[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 68 (Thursday, April 18, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2507-H2509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONDEMNING IRAN'S UNPRECEDENTED DRONE AND MISSILE ATTACK ON ISRAEL
Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution
1149, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 1143) condemning Iran's
unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel, and ask for its
immediate consideration in the House.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1149, the
resolution is considered read.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1143
Whereas, beginning on April 13, 2024, Iran for the first
time ever launched a direct attack on Israel that included
over 350 missiles and drones launched directly from Iran and
its proxies toward Israel;
Whereas this direct attack on Israel followed: Iran-backed
Hamas' massive, unprovoked attack on Israel on October 7 that
killed over 1,200 people; months of cross-border attacks from
Iran-backed Hezbollah into Israel from Lebanon; over 170
attacks on United States troops in the Middle East by Iran-
backed militias since October; and months of Iran-backed
Houthi missile and drone attacks on global shipping;
Whereas 99 percent of the projectiles fired at Israel were
intercepted by Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom,
France, and Jordan, minimizing casualties and other damage
from this unprecedented, brazen attack by Iran;
Whereas Israel intercepted these missiles and drones using
a variety of air defense systems and other defense articles,
including many procured from or co-produced with the United
States, demonstrating the vital importance of the United
States and Israel's security partnership; and
Whereas Israel is a major non-NATO ally and Major Strategic
Partner of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) condemns Iran's unprecedented drone and missile attack
on Israel;
(2) reaffirms and supports Israel's right to self-defense;
(3) stands with Israel as it defends itself against Iran's
attack and seeks to re-establish deterrence against Iran and
its proxies;
(4) fully supports Israel's right to respond to this
aggression through military, diplomatic, economic, and other
necessary means;
(5) calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Iran's
attack on Israel;
(6) commends the United States military, the United
Kingdom, France, and Jordan for intercepting Iranian missiles
and drones and thereby limiting the damage from this
unprecedented attack on Israel;
(7) reaffirms the United States commitment to Israel's
security, including through security assistance and defense
sales;
(8) urges full enforcement of United States sanctions and
export controls against Iran to impede Iran's nuclear
program, missile and drone development, and funding of
terrorist groups and proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas and
Palestine Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, and militias in Iraq
and Syria; and
(9) stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply
and other security, diplomatic, and intelligence support.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The resolution shall be debatable for 1 hour
equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member
of the Committee on Foreign Affairs or their respective designees.
The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kean) and the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Meeks) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kean).
General Leave
Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend
their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Madam Speaker, over the weekend, the world watched in horror as Iran
launched over 350 drones and missiles at our ally and friend, Israel.
This attack confirmed our worst fears. The likely attack was openly
discussed in the media for days before it occurred. For years, Iran had
been threatening Israel and amassing a terrifying arsenal of missiles
and drones. No one should have had any doubt that one day Iran would
fulfill its longstanding threat of ``death to Israel.''
However, the fact that this unprecedented, escalatory attack was long
expected does not make it any less terrifying. Were it not for close
coordination between Israel, the United States, and other partners to
successfully intercept these weapons, Israel and other countries in the
region could have faced significant casualties and major damage.
Over the last 7 months, we have seen Iran's poisonous influence rip
apart the Middle East. Iran-backed Hamas launched the massive,
unprovoked October 7 attack on Israel that killed over 1,200 people.
Hezbollah has fired thousands of rockets, mortars, and missiles into
Israel. Iran-backed militias have launched over 170 attacks on American
troops in the Middle East, and the Iran-backed Houthis have launched
over 100 missiles and drone attacks on global shipping.
This is not just a threat to Israel. This is a threat to the United
States and to all of our partners in the Middle East.
That is why this moment is of such tremendous strategic importance.
Iran's proxies are testing the resolve of Israel, the United States,
and the international community. We absolutely must restore deterrence
against Iran to protect our vital national security interests in the
Middle East. That means standing shoulder to shoulder with our friend
and ally, Israel.
We are stronger together. Together, this coalition literally shot
missiles and drones out of the sky, protecting cities and citizens
alike.
Like some of my colleagues over the Easter recess, my wife, Rhonda,
and I traveled to Israel and were able to see firsthand the impacts of
the conflict on the people there. The resolve of the Israeli people is
stronger than ever.
H. Res. 1143 makes a simple, clear statement that we stand with
Israel and support Israel's right to defend itself and to restore
deterrence, including by responding to this attack as appropriate. It
also makes clear that our longstanding commitment to Israel's
[[Page H2508]]
security, including through arms sales and security assistance, is
ironclad. Finally, it urges full enforcement of all of our sanctions
against Iran and its proxies.
Madam Speaker, we must not forget that what Israel experienced over
the weekend is, unfortunately, a reality of everyday life in Ukraine.
Our adversaries are working closer together than ever before to
undermine the American-led international order that has kept peace in
the world since the Second World War.
Before the United States ultimately joined the war, Winston Churchill
showed the world the fortitude to look into the face of
authoritarianism. He declared that democracies of the world stand up
for their beliefs, and they would endure.
We must project that same message today and in the future. Our allies
and our partners are watching what actions this body takes. We must
project that Churchillian confidence.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the gentleman from New Jersey's
resolution, H. Res. 1143, condemning Iran's unprecedented drone and
missile attack on Israel.
Like every Member of this body, I am horrified by Iran's direct
attack on Israel.
In retaliation for Israel's targeted strike against two Iranian
military generals in Damascus on April 1, Iran launched more than 300
drones and powerful missiles at Israel's population--Jews, Muslims, and
Christians alike.
The great success of Israel's missile shield, codeveloped by the
United States of America, and the combined forces of the U.S. military,
France, the U.K., and Jordan, prevented significant death and
destruction.
Our thoughts and hearts are with the young Israeli Bedouin girl, who
is recovering today from injuries she suffered due to an Iranian
projectile.
I stand strongly with the people of Israel and their defense against
both direct and proxy Iranian attacks, and I support this resolution
being offered by Representative Kean.
Israel, of course, has the right to defend itself like any other
country, but as a true friend of Israel, I encourage the Israeli
Government to be smart and strategic as it considers its response, and
I urge this body not to beat the drums of war.
As Secretary Blinken recently said, an escalation of the conflict is
not in the United States' or Israel's interests.
Believe me, I really understand the rage felt by Israel toward the
Government of Iran, a government hell-bent on wiping Israel off the
map. The two generals whom Israel eliminated worked day and night to
provide Iranian proxies the lethal materiel and strategy necessary to
significantly harm the State of Israel.
I also understand the need for Israel to maintain strategic
deterrence. Iran needs to know there will be serious consequences if it
attempts to harm Israel. Deterrence serves to prevent an expansion of
conflict.
I also understand the massive consequences of Israel and Iran
descending into a broader war and what that would mean for the United
States and the rest of the entire world. An expanded Israel-Iran war
would distract from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a conflict that must
end, while ensuring the elimination of Hamas' military capabilities.
We still have challenges. We must free the hostages remaining in Gaza
and achieve a humanitarian cease-fire. Famine and the current
humanitarian catastrophe must be reversed at all costs. There must be a
realistic plan for the future governance and reconstruction of Gaza,
one that results in Palestinian control of the strip.
An expanded Israel-Iran war could also serve to drag the United
States of America deeper into the conflict. As the ongoing debate on
the supplemental should make clear, the United States already has a lot
on its plate.
Madam Speaker, please remember that Russia's war of aggression in
Ukraine remains unfinished business and that Ukraine is losing ground
to Russian forces due to Donald Trump's interference in our emergency
supplemental process.
The future of Europe is urgently--urgently--at stake. Already, there
are dangerous conflicts simmering throughout the Middle East region,
including continued attacks by the Houthis in Yemen against
international shipping and U.S. military forces. China still has its
sights set on Taiwan as China strengthens its relationship with both
Iran and Russia.
An expanded war in the Middle East would put American soldiers
deployed in the region in greater danger. It would harm the American
middle class and global economies still clawing back pandemic-spurred
inflation, just as our economy is beginning to rebound.
Are there those amongst us who think it is wise to open a broader war
in the Middle East this week? Do we want to further encourage Iran to
rush to build and test a nuclear weapon? Do we want to give Vladimir
Putin and Xi Jinping the satisfaction of the United States being bogged
down in war?
China and Russia would love to see the United States embroiled and
distracted in the Middle East as they continue their nefarious
destabilizing objectives in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. We should not
let that happen.
Madam Speaker, I conclude my remarks where I started. We stand
strongly with the State of Israel and its right to defend its people.
Israel, without question, has the right to defend itself, and I hope
that strategy and thoughtfulness rule the day, not rage and revenge.
There is too much at stake.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 0930
Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Kiley).
Mr. KILEY. Madam Speaker, I stand in strong support of this
resolution condemning Iran's unprecedented missile and drone attack on
Israel.
However, it is important to note that for the people of Israel,
attacks and threats from Iran are far from unprecedented. Every single
day, the people of Israel face attacks from Iran's terrorist proxies
that literally surround the State of Israel: Hezbollah, the Houthis,
and, of course, Hamas.
We saw the consequences of Iran's massive support for these terrorist
proxies play out in horrifying fashion on October 7. Now, with this
latest unprecedented attack directly from Iran, we saw almost all of
the missiles and drones intercepted. This is a testament to the
strength and the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship, both in
terms of the partnership that has allowed Israel to develop such an
impressive capacity to defend itself and in terms of the collaboration
that was on display.
I am glad that we will soon have an opportunity to provide long
overdue support for Israel in this time of such great importance for
the region.
Something else, though, is equally important to note about what
happened last weekend, and that is that you had regional allies, other
countries in the region, also rally to Israel's defense. This is
something the likes of which we have not seen before, and it speaks to
the extraordinary success of the Abraham Accords to usher in a new era
of peace in the region. This, of course, is exactly what Iran does not
want. This is the reason for their desperation. They understand what is
unfolding if they do not respond, if they do not somehow stand in the
way of it.
This is a time not only for the United States to stand with our ally,
Israel, but for every nation around the world that values peace,
freedom, and democracy to do so as well.
I strongly support this resolution. I would hope it passes this House
with strong, unanimous, bipartisan support.
Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, as people are here witnessing
us speaking about how the attacks are all interconnected, Iran, Russia,
and China all are seeking to do harm to our Nation and to the Western
rules-based order.
It is extraordinarily important in these times that we show strength
and unity of purpose. I am thankful that the gentleman from New York
(Mr. Meeks), the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee,
supported this measure both in the Rules Committee as well as on the
floor here
[[Page H2509]]
today. It shows the very strong importance of this resolution and our
unparalleled support for the State of Israel and its right to defend
itself.
We, as the House of Representatives, have the responsibility to
pass--and I expect later this week we will--a strong foreign aid
package that will support our opposition to Iran, Russia, and China,
and make sure that we support the people who are fighting for their
freedom in Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan to make sure that we have strong
support of the American people. That is why it is important on a
bipartisan basis that we work together to support this measure.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join
me in sending a strong bipartisan and overwhelming show of support for
the State of Israel by agreeing to this resolution.
Our allies and partners are closely watching this body's actions. We
must send a clear message that we stand by our allies and our partners
and are resolved against the adversaries and those who wish us all
harm.
Madam Speaker, I urge the adoption of this resolution, and I continue
to reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the
gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Dean) and ask that she may control
that time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Pennsylvania will
control the time.
Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to
join me in sending a strong, bipartisan message, an overwhelming
support for the State of Israel by agreeing to this resolution. Our
allies and our partners are closely watching this body's actions, and
we must send a clear message that we stand by our allies and our
partners and are resolved against our adversaries and those who wish to
do all of us harm. I urge the adoption of this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr.
Scalise), the majority leader. He is a strong supporter of the State of
Israel. Time and again, he has led this floor in the support of one of
our strongest allies in the world.
Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for
leading this effort and for making sure all of our colleagues have the
opportunity to stand with our friend, Israel, while they are at war.
We all know, starting October 7, Israel was attacked barbarically by
one of Iran's proxies, Hamas, a terrorist organization. They went into
Israel, barbarically murdered Israelis and took hostages. Still to this
day they have about 130 hostages, including some American citizens.
While this war to eviscerate the terrorist organization known as
Hamas is going on, Israel then over the weekend faced an unprecedented
attack directly from Iran. No longer is it only the proxies--whether it
is Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Houthis, all who are supported by Iran--now
Iran directly attacked with 300-plus drones and missiles to try to kill
more Israelis.
Fortunately, of course, Israel and a coalition of the United States
and other allies joined together to shoot down those missiles and
drones. At the same time, Iran made it clear they wanted to attack
Israel directly, which means Israel now is looking at how they properly
respond.
During this time, again, a war that started--this idea of a cease-
fire, the cease-fire ended when Hamas decided that they were going to
go murder Israelis. Israel has a right to self-defense. This Congress
has always stood by our friend, Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle
East, a democracy.
They are always under attack. They have been under attack since their
existence. They know how to defend themselves. When they respond--
whatever choice the people of Israel make through their elected
leaders--we need to express our support for that defense. That is
Israel's right.
We saw September 11, but there have been other attacks on our
homeland; of course, Pearl Harbor. When America is attacked, America
responds. We don't have our allies calling us, saying: Don't respond.
This is a time when the allies of Israel, including the United States,
need to support Israel in their right to respond. Call out Iran, as
this resolution does. Mr. Kean has been very good about laying out the
case for why we need to condemn Iran and their actions, but we also
need to support Israel as they consider their options in how to
properly respond to deter this from happening again.
It was unwarranted. It shouldn't have happened. We shouldn't just
look and say: Well, all the missiles and drones were shot down, so
everybody should just look the other way. They will keep trying until
they kill innocent civilians.
Iran has always sponsored terrorism, and they have gotten away with
it. We need to put sanctions back on Iran. They shouldn't be able to
sell their oil on world markets, for example. Iran has made about $60
billion in the last 3 years selling their oil on world markets. They
shouldn't have that access. They use that money to sponsor terrorism,
and now they are using that money directly to attack our friend and our
ally, Israel.
While Israel is under attack, now more than ever we need to be
unequivocal in our support for our friend, Israel, in their right to
self-defense. God bless the people of Israel. We stand with them. This
resolution makes it very clear.
I thank, again, my friend from New Jersey for bringing this important
piece of legislation. I urge its adoption, Madam Speaker.
Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance
of my time to close.
I stand by Israel and its right to defend itself and condemn in the
strongest of terms Iran's direct attack on our ally. It is my hope that
Israel listens to what many of its allies are saying and not take steps
that lead us into a greater regional war.
As President Biden has said, our defense against Iranian threats to
Israel is ironclad. We have Israel's back, and we will not yield to
Iranian threats.
Madam Speaker, I support this resolution, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of
my time to close. I urge the adoption of this resolution, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
Pursuant to House Resolution 1149, the previous question is ordered
on the resolution and the preamble.
The question is on adoption of the resolution.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam 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 question will be postponed.
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