Congressman Carter Issues Statement on Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 6126, Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:
“I am very disappointed that Speaker Johnson and extreme MAGA Republicans have chosen to put conditions on aid to Israel. The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act provides none of the over $10 billion in humanitarian assistance requested by President Biden. This would deny life-saving humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, to displaced Ukrainians, and to millions globally who are experiencing the devastating effects of Putin’s war and other global conflicts.
“This ill-conceived strategy also leaves out vital security and economic assistance to Ukraine while it fights to defend its sovereignty against Putin’s brutal war of aggression. The key components of U.S. assistance to Ukraine have been exhausted and now is the time to aid our ally at a pivotal moment in the war without delay, not embolden Vladimir Putin and his desire to crush our democracy as we know it.
“Finally, this bill sets a dangerous precedent of tying strings to emergency funding. Emergency spending is intended to respond to urgent, evolving needs, and conditioning this aid only endangers vulnerable communities at the time they need it most. As a Louisiana member, a state that requires more hurricane-related, disaster assistance than anywhere else in the country, I will not be responsible for establishing this practice. Congress has historically responded to emergencies in a bipartisan manner without conditions and must do so again.
“Our ally Israel, and the Palestinian people, urgently require aid. The political gamesmanship is unacceptable, particularly at a time when we can least afford it.
“I grieve the tragic loss of innocent lives witnessed over the past 26 days. I join with all my Palestinian and Israeli friends who are heartbroken and terrified watching the horrors of war unfold, destroying the lives of innocent people.
“Israel has the right to defend itself; however, they must do so in a manner consistent with the Geneva Convention. There are rules to war that everyone needs to follow. We MUST concentrate our attention on protecting the innocent while abolishing the terrorist Hamas. Civilians – Israelis and Palestinians, men and women, babies and the elderly – must be protected.
“I also want to stress the importance of allowing civilians to evacuate. As I vote tonight, hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza are waiting by the border and praying for an escape to safety. We must open an evacuation corridor and expedite humanitarian aid.
“Hamas is the enemy of Israelis and the Palestinian people. Israelis and Palestinians have a common enemy in Hamas and Iran.
“I want this violence to end. As a man of faith, I believe that every single life on Earth is precious, and the last month has shown me how fragile the pursuit of peace is and how quickly life can be taken away.
“My heart aches for the people of Israel and the Palestinian people. My heart aches for everyone in Louisiana and around the globe who has felt hopeless watching the atrocities of war unfold. I am praying for an end to this crisis. We must lay the groundwork for a better future for ALL people living in the Middle East.”
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