Hoyer: Where Was the Outrage When Republicans Waited Seven Months to Give Israel Aid?
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor today urging for a “no” vote on H.R. 8369 – Israel Security Assistance Support Act. Below is a transcript of his remarks and a link to the video:
Click here for a link to the video.
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this political bill. This is not about policy. It's about politics. What a shame.
“This is not in Israel's best interests. It's not in this Congress’ best interest.
“The gentleman who just spoke, spoke with passion and immediacy and urgency. Unfortunately, House Republican Leadership has sought to turn it into a partisan issue on multiple occasions. This legislation is their latest attempt. They claim President Biden is delaying some portion of aid.
“Where was that outrage, I ask my colleagues, where was the outrage when on November 2nd you brought a bill to this Floor with a poison pill that you knew would not pass and would not be signed by the President of the United States?
“If it had been a clean bill, as I told you then, it would have passed with over or approximately 400 votes, but you waited seven months – not 20 days – seven months.
“Where was the outrage when we waited seven months to give Israel aid? And by the way, we delayed on Ukraine as well.
“Where was the outrage?
“I was told over and over again, ‘Well the Speaker’s going to bring it to the Floor sometime. He says he's going to bring it to the Floor.’
“Seven months - 1, 2, 3, time went by. Where was the outrage then? This is a political bill that does not help Israel, does not help America, and should be defeated. I urge a no vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.”