Wasserman Schultz: GOP Bill Threatened to Defund U.S. Military, Endanger Israel Security

Washington, May 16, 2024
Today’s vote was a partisan stunt, which Republicans hoped would paper over their failure to provide aid to Israel for six months. I remain committed to working with my colleagues across the aisle on legislation and continued funding for our historic and vital partnership with Israel. This legislation did not rise to that standard.

Washington D.C. – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz(FL-25) released the following statement on her vote to reject a Republican bill that would threaten American national security and use the indispensable U.S.-Israel relationship as a partisan wedge issue:

“Instead of uniting Congress in a bipartisan manner to defeat Hamas and unequivocally support Israel’s survival, House Republicans brought a divisive, unserious bill to the floor with the sole intention of dividing Americans and scoring cheap political points.

“Throughout my career and especially over the past seven months, I’ve provided unwavering support to Israel, its people, and the 130 hostages still held captive by Hamas. I have traveled to the region multiple times since October 7th, used my platform to keep the hostages and victims of Hamas’ sexual violence front and center in the national dialogue.

“I have and will continue to proudly vote to back Israel’s right to defend itself through the supplemental assistance bills and support their fight to eradicate Hamas as a threat, as well as humanitarian aid for Gazans used as human shields by Hamas. 

“This bill would make America and Israel less safe. Undermining American security undercuts Israeli security. Threatening to defund our national security leadership, our military, and our diplomats who work nonstop in support of our ally Israel, would be profoundly damaging to our security and our interests.

“This is not pro-Israel legislation. It is dangerous, cynical, and counterproductive. It takes aim at Israel’s strong bipartisan support instead of uniting against Hamas.

“Today’s vote was a partisan stunt, which Republicans hoped would paper over their failure to provide aid to Israel for six months. I remain committed to working with my colleagues across the aisle on legislation and continued funding for our historic and vital partnership with Israel. This legislation did not rise to that standard.”

Listen to Wasserman Schultz’s full floor remarks here.