Bonamici Statement on Funding for Ukraine, Israel
WASHINGTON, DC [4/20/24] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici released the following statement:
“Today I voted in support of funding to defend our allies Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, and to provide desperately needed humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians and others in need. I previously voted against legislation to provide funding for Israel because it did not include assistance for Ukraine and it did not provide any humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people struggling in Gaza.
“It is unacceptable that the Republican House Majority delayed urgently needed funding for Ukraine for months. Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine was unprovoked and poses a dire threat to the lives of Ukrainians and to democracy. It cannot go unchallenged, especially when Putin has made it clear that he will not stop at Ukraine. This aggression puts other countries in the region – and our troops if NATO countries are attacked – at great risk. It is imperative that we join with our global allies to provide Ukraine with the resources necessary to defend its borders and care for its people.
“The horrific attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7th and the recent attack on Israel by Iran and its proxies demonstrate the constant threat faced by the Israeli people. This bill sends a message that the United States will stand with its democratic allies. The Israeli government has the right to keep the country and its people safe. That being said, I strongly disagree with how Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Netanyahu-aligned Israeli leaders have responded in Gaza. The death and destruction have been devastating and unacceptable, and sufficient aid has not reached innocent Palestinian civilians.
“I have long supported defensive military assistance, like Iron Dome, because it saves countless lives and continues to do so. I would have preferred to vote for a bill that included only defensive and humanitarian aid, but that was not the bill that was before us. All countries that receive U.S. military aid, including Israel, must abide by international law. I have conveyed the importance of that requirement to the Biden Administration and will continue to do so going forward.
“Even though Hamas continues to reject offers of a ceasefire, the United States must be steadfast in its advocacy for a bilateral ceasefire that includes the return of all hostages, demilitarization of Hamas, and rebuilding of Gaza. With the passage of this bill, I expect to see prompt distribution of the more than $9 billion in desperately needed humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians and others in need.”
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