Hoyer Statement on the Failed Senate Vote to Block the Sale of U.S.-Made Weapons to Israel

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement regarding the Senate vote last night on S.J. Res. 111, a measure that would restrict the sale of U.S.-made weapons to Israel:
 

"I was pleased to see a bipartisan majority in the Senate vote down legislation that would restrict certain arms sales to our ally, Israel. American and Israeli security concerns are intertwined. Calling to condition aid or block weapons sales to Israel only emboldens Iran and its proxies – Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and others – making Israel and, by extension, America less safe.
 
"America's support for Israel and its mission to defeat Hamas remains ironclad. Yesterday, President Biden reaffirmed that commitment by vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for an unconditional ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza War without demanding the release of the at least 100 hostages, including seven Americans, who remain in captivity in Gaza 410 days after Hamas abducted them on October 7. The resolution was particularly absurd given Hamas’ repeated rejection of proposed ceasefire agreements that had Israeli support. The return of the hostages is a top priority and an absolutely essential precondition to any ceasefire.
 
"It is vital that we maintain Congress' overwhelming bipartisan consensus supporting Israel. Israelis and Americans – and Democrats and Republicans – must continue to stand together as we navigate the most crucial period in the 76-year history of our U.S.-Israel relationship."