JOINT LEADERSHIP DEAR COLLEAGUE ON H.R. 7217

Letter

Dear Colleague:

We write with respect to H.R. 7217, the House Republican bill that may be considered under suspension of the rules this evening.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a horrific and brutal terrorist attack against Israel, murdering more than 1,200 people in what amounted to the largest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust. Israel has a clear right to defend itself in a manner consistent with the international rules of war, and the absolute responsibility to decisively defeat Hamas so that they are permanently removed as a threat.

From the moment of the horrific October 7 attack, we have steadfastly supported the Israeli effort against Hamas in Gaza and will continue to stand with President Joe Biden in that regard. America's commitment to Israel's security is ironclad and unbreakable. We also affirm Israel's absolute right to exist as a Jewish, Democratic state and safe haven for the Jewish people throughout the world.

We are prepared to support any serious, bipartisan effort in connection with the special relationship between the United States and Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East. Unfortunately, the standalone legislation introduced by House Republicans over the weekend, at the eleventh hour without notice or consultation, is not being offered in good faith. Rather, it is a nakedly obvious and cynical attempt by MAGA extremists to undermine the possibility of a comprehensive, bipartisan funding package that addresses America's national security challenges in the Middle East, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region and throughout the world.

We also strongly support the Biden administration's effort to surge desperately needed food, water, medical supplies and other forms of humanitarian relief to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, the majority of whom are women and children, as well as people in war zones throughout the world who are in harm's way through no fault of their own. This is an important effort in the midst of the ongoing war in Gaza, where more than one hundred hostages remain in great peril and thousands of civilians have tragically been killed. Congress must do its part by passing comprehensive funding legislation that provides support for Israel, Ukraine and our other democratic allies throughout the world, as well as the resources needed to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians who are suffering.

We live in an increasingly dangerous world. America's national security interests, and those of our close allies like Israel and Ukraine, should not be subject to partisan political games. Throughout the world, our brave men and women in uniform are putting their lives on the line to defend democracy and freedom. Some, like Sergeants William Jerome Rivers, Breonna Moffett and Kennedy Sanders, have tragically made the ultimate sacrifice.

Here at home, the time has come for House Republicans to end the political stunts and come together in support of a comprehensive approach to our national security priorities. For the aforementioned reasons, and those powerfully articulated by President Joe Biden in the Statement of Administration Policy, we will vote NO on H.R. 7217.

Thank you for your continued leadership.

Sincerely,

Hakeem Jeffries

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