Rep. Calvert: The U.S. House of Representatives Stands with Israel

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a bipartisan majority (412 to 10) of the House of Representatives for House Resolution 771 which calls for “Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.” Rep. Calvert was an original cosponsor of the resolution.

“Today, the House of Representatives sent a clear message to the world – we stand with Israel,” said Rep. Calvert. “As we mourn the loss of more than 1,400 Israelis, including 32 American citizens, and thousands of wounded civilians, we stand firmly behind Israel’s right to defend itself. Israel, Gaza, and the world will be a safer place when the Hamas terrorist organization is destroyed. By joining with Israel and other allies in this endeavor, the U.S. is also sending a clear message to Iran that its backing of terror organizations will not go unanswered. Additional attacks and escalations of violence must be met with a swift and strong response.”

“After weeks of division, let it be known that the House of Representatives came together today to support Israel and condemn antisemitism in all its forms. Both Republicans and Democrats spoke out against the disturbing antisemitic rhetoric at college campuses and Hamas sympathizers who have removed posters of Israeli families that are being held hostage by Hamas. When we remember the Holocaust and pledge ‘never again,’ we commit to protect Jews from all forms of hate and violence. I have been to Israel on many occasions. Jews in Israel face an enduring existential threat but are committed to finding a path to peace. The best way to ensure they are never again subjected to the kind of brutality that took place during the Holocaust or October 7th is for the United States to reinforce our steadfast partnership with Israel in pursuing that peaceful future.”

House Resolution 771 reads, in part:

Resolved that the House of Representatives:

1. Stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists;
2. Reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense;
3. Condemns Hamas’ brutal war on Israel;
4. Calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas’ brutal war on Israel;
5. Calls on Hamas to immediately cease these violent attacks and safely release all living hostages and return the bodies of deceased hostages;
6. Mourns the over 700 Israelis killed and over 2,000 others wounded in Hamas’ unprovoked attack on Israel;
7. Reaffirms the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security, including through security assistance in line with the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding;
8. Urges full enforcement of the Taylor Force Act and other restrictions in U.S. law to prevent United States foreign assistance from benefiting terrorists, directly or indirectly;
9. Condemns Iran’s support for terrorist groups and proxies, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad;
10. Urges full enforcement of U.S. sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran’s funding of terrorist groups including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad; and
11. Stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply and other security, diplomatic, and intelligence support. 
     

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