Rep. Calvert Votes for Israel Security Assistance
Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a majority (226 to 196) of the House of Representatives to approve the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. The bill provides Israel with emergency funding to purchase additional resources needed to defend itself against the Hamas terrorist organization.
“The October 7th Hamas terrorist attack on Israeli men, women, and children was a savage, evil, and unprovoked act that has shocked the civilized world,” said Rep. Calvert. “The October 7th attack also made it crystal clear that unless Hamas is destroyed the people of Israel will continue to face an existential threat. The security package the House passed today is a prime example of our unwavering support for our friend and ally, Israel. Nearly half of the funding provided is dedicated to systems – including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam – that protect Israeli civilians from the ongoing barrage of Iranian-funded rockets being fired from Hamas and now, Hezbollah. Additional funding is included to replenish American defense supplies as well as help evacuate American citizens from Israel.”
“More than two weeks ago, Israel urged civilians in Gaza to evacuate and announced a safe corridor for passage. Humanitarian aid has been allowed into Gaza from Egypt. This week, hundreds more civilians have been allowed to cross from Gaza into Egypt. These actions stand in stark contrast to the brutality Hamas displayed on October 7th, not to mention the 240 Israeli men, women, and children currently held hostage. Hamas chose to attack Israel. Hamas chose to locate its terror network among civilian populations. Hamas chose to build rockets instead of improving water systems. Hamas has been the primary cause death and destruction in both Israel and Gaza. To this day, Hamas has stated that their aim is the destruction of the state of Israel and the Jewish people. There can be no peace until Hamas is eradicated and that is why the United States stands with Israel in its campaign to rip out Hamas by its roots.”
Rep. Calvert, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations, was an original cosponsor of the bill which included funding from the jurisdiction of the Defense Subcommittee. This legislation contains $14.3 billion for Israel, including:
- $4 billion for the Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defense systems;
- $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system;
- $800 million for the production of 155mm ammunition;
- $198 million for the production and development of small diameter bombs and precision guided rockets; a
- $4.4 billion to replenish U.S. stocks transferred to Israel, such as precision guided and other critical munitions as well as medical supplies for Israel’s Defense Forces; and
- $3.5 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program Funding for Israel.
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