Senators voice bipartisan concerns surrounding the resolution that could have halted support.
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont introduced a resolution that would have frozen American aid to Israel. The proposal would have required a complete report from the State Department within 30 days on whether weapons provided to Israel by the U.S. were used to commit human rights violations in Gaza. Aid to Israel would have been halted if the State Department did not comply.
Senator Sanders forced a vote on the measure Wednesday, but the Senate voted it down. President Biden’s administration had also opposed the measure.
Senator Sanders said from the floor, “While there is no question in my mind that Israel has the right to defend itself and go to war against Hamas, who started this terrible situation, Israel does not have the right to go to war against the entire Palestinian people and innocent men, women, and children in Gaza. Tragically, that is what we’re seeing.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said Senator Sanders’ resolution was an attempt at “tying the hands of a close ally locked in a necessary battle against savage terrorists.”
Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the chair of the Appropriations Committee, said, “While I do believe the United States Congress should be fully informed of the nature of Israel’s war in Gaza while we continue to support our ally, I am concerned that the resolution could potentially cut off all aid to Israel and send a message that invites other adversaries in the region to expand the current conflict.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For U.S. legislators as they voice their concerns over the human rights conditions in Gaza as Israel fights against Hamas.
- For members of the Senate and House as they negotiate appropriations to fund the government and foreign aid.
Sources: The Hill, Fox News
