Hoyer Statement on House Republicans Jeopardizing Israel Aid With Partisan Offsets

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) issued the following statement tonight after House Republicans released an emergency supplemental appropriations bill for Israel aid including a poison pill, partisan offset:

“These past few weeks, we have watched our close ally Israel come under attack by a genocidal terrorist organization. Hamas has killed 1,400 Israeli and 33 American civilians, wounded over 3,000 others, and taken over 238 hostages of more than 30 nationalities – including at least 10 Americans. It is unconscionable that the Majority would try to seize on the trauma and urgency of this moment to push for partisan offsets. The price for these political points will be paid in Jewish lives.

“This poison pill needlessly complicates and delays the effort to secure aid for Israel as fast as possible – a mission that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of the House shares. In fact, 149 Republicans, including the new speaker, voted for an agreement which capped IRS cuts at the agreed upon number of $20 billion dollars affected.

“Democrats and Republicans also want to secure humanitarian aid to alleviate the dire struggle of innocent Palestinians who did not want Hamas to start this war. There is broad bipartisan consensus to secure additional aid for Ukraine – another close ally fighting for the survival of its democracy – as well. 

“This legislation could have addressed all three of these issues. Instead, it separates, conditions, and obstructs all of these goals. Our support for Israel and for democracy must always come before politics.”