Schakowsky Statement on National Security Supplemental
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), released the following statement after voting to pass the emergency funding packages to provide critical foreign security and humanitarian assistance:
“It is long past time that we provide Ukraine with the additional support needed in its fight against Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion and tyranny. For over two years now, the Ukrainian people have held strong in their resolve and bravely pushed back the Kremlin’s attempts to capture their territory, subjugate the Ukrainian people, and expand the rule of Putin’s corrupt autocracy. I strongly support the Ukrainian people and recognize that this is not just a fight for their sovereignty, but part of a broader fight for freedom and democracy in Europe and around the world. To abandon Ukraine is to extend an invitation to Putin to press further into Europe. We cannot let Ukraine fail. I am relieved that this critically needed assistance is finally going to Ukraine and I will continue doing everything in my power to support them.
“I was also pleased to vote for $8 billion in additional aid to our allies in the Indo-Pacific. The region supports more than three million American jobs and is the source of nearly $900 billion in foreign direct investment in the United States. The Indo-Pacific region plays a key role in our safety and security here in the United States. This vote today will help ensure that the region remains free and secure.
“While I have deep concerns about the bill that includes additional security assistance to Israel, the funding in this bill is urgently needed to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With millions of people displaced and on the brink of famine, the U.S. must do everything in its power to prevent mass starvation and further suffering. The bill’s humanitarian aid provisions will also enable us to meet the ever-increasing humanitarian needs in Haiti, Somalia, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen. I am also pleased that this bill provides $390 million in much-needed support for the nonprofit security grant program. This funding is critical to protecting our community centers, day schools, and places of worship. I have heard from several nonprofits in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District that desperately need this additional funding to protect against hate-based threats and violence.
"I support these humanitarian aid and domestic funds, but I am concerned by the inclusion of $3.5 billion in funding for Israel that could be used to obtain offensive weapons. While this funding will not be disbursed to Israel for several years, I reiterate my calls for the U.S. to halt all offensive weapons transfers to Israel until and unless it can be confirmed that U.S. weapons are being used in accordance with domestic and international law and that the Israeli government is not impeding the entry of U.S. humanitarian aid into Gaza. While I am disappointed that my amendment that would have halted weapons transfers until these conditions are met did not receive a vote, I am working with my colleagues to press the Biden Administration to withhold further weapons transfers. Earlier this month, I led a letter signed by over 50 members of the House insisting that the Biden Administration withhold further weapons transfers unless these conditions are met.
"This package also includes funding to ensure the immediate and long-term security of Israel and the region at large. The Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam missile defense systems must be replenished to protect millions of civilians – including over half a million Americans – in the wake of Iran’s direct attack on Israel last week. While I continue to support assistance that enables Israel to protect itself against Iran and other adversaries, the Biden Administration must do more to make clear that this is not a blank check to the Netanyahu government. We must be able to both provide defensive assistance that saves the lives of Israeli and American civilians and display the same level of concern for Palestinian civilians.
"The U.S. must further prioritize bringing a permanent end to the Israel-Hamas war, securing the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza, and working towards a negotiated two-state solution. As we approach Passover, hundreds of Israeli families face the unthinkable, as their loved ones remain held hostage in Gaza by Hamas. The path to bringing the hostages home lies in a negotiated ceasefire agreement, and I reiterate my call for Hamas to release all the hostages and accept the ceasefire deal that is on the table, and for the US and Israel to do everything in their power to bring them home now.
“The world is watching, and the United States has a duty to act. With the passage of this National Security Supplemental, we will give our allies the assistance they need, stand up to global aggressors and bad actors like Russia, Iran, and Hamas, and get desperately needed aid to civilians around the globe.”
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