Washington, D.C. – House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA), joined by Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman David Joyce (R-OH), today released the Israel Security Assistance Support Act to support our great ally and U.S. national security. The legislation curbs President Biden’s misguided efforts to withhold critical security resources appropriated in U.S. law by compelling the delivery of defense weapons to Israel as they fight to protect themselves against radical terrorists.

The Members said, “Unlike the Administration, House Appropriators will not waver in our ironclad support for Israel. The House and Senate acted on the will of the people, overwhelmingly providing Israel with the firepower to send a message: the U.S. and our allies will not cower to terrorist organizations like Hamas. The Administration is expected to utilize the very aid it requested to equip Israel with what it needs to defend itself, destroy Hamas, and maintain peace in the region. Any actions to withhold resources impede our national and global security and send a dangerous signal that the U.S. cannot be counted on as a partner. We demand the Administration fulfill our commitment to our great ally in the Middle East, especially so in this serious time of need.”

The Israel Security Assistance Support Act:

  • Compels the expeditious delivery of approved defense articles and services to Israel, including third-party deliveries;
  • Withholds funds from the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and the National Security Council until suspended defense articles are delivered;
  • Condemns the Biden Administration’s dangerous decision to pause arms as Israel faces unprecedented threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran;
  • Reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense;
  • Upholds the power of the purse and oversight responsibilities of Congress; and
  • Requires a report on actions taken by the Executive Branch to withhold security assistance and therefore impede Israel’s ability to defend itself.

At a time when Israel is facing increased attacks, including the imprisonment of their citizens and Americans by Hamas terrorists—alongside the rise of other global threats, antisemitism, and campus demonstrations around the U.S. that have empowered anti-Jewish aggression—this bill is a vital step in standing with our allies and supporting the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Contact: Alexia Sikora, Alex Attebery, (202) 225-2771

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