Whip Clark Statement on Massie Amendment to GOP Foreign Aid Budget Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement:
"This week, House Republicans are putting forward a foreign aid budget bill that decimates American diplomacy, cuts desperately needed humanitarian aid, and further undermines our national security and right to vote.
"Republicans have also included an overly broad amendment by Rep. Massie that blocks all foreign aid to Israel, including humanitarian funding for Palestinian refugees and civilians in Gaza. This is not an attempt to have a serious and necessary debate about offensive military aid to Israel. It’s more stunts from Congressional Republicans who would rather score cheap political points than lead.
"However, it is clear that the status quo is not tenable. We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with U.S. law, interests, and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet that standard. I will be voting yes, not because I agree with the entirety of the amendment, or the GOP’s cynical motivations for its consideration, but because I believe we must change course. While Democratic Members will make different decisions on this amendment in good faith, we are absolutely united in our shared goal of permanent peace.
"Israel has the right to exist as a sovereign, secure, and democratic Jewish state. They have the right to defend their people and their territory. The United States should continue to have a strong strategic alliance with Israel and support its defense against governments and proxy groups that seek its destruction. We must continue to support Israel’s defensive systems like the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow and Thaad — which are not impacted by this amendment. And we must fight against the scourge of antisemitism whenever and wherever it appears.
"There must be a new and sustainable path for true security in the Middle East. It cannot be achieved without surging aid to Gaza, halting construction of settlements in the West Bank, ending settler violence, and upholding the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. We cannot give up on peace and our work to build a better future for all children."
# # #